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    A new breed : wired for success : redefining the possibilities of solar powered electric fence energizers.
    (Massey University, 2014) Marks, Nicholas R
    Gallagher, world renowned for their electric fencing innovations, requested ways to develop their solar powered energizer range. The intent of this project was to work with Gallagher product specialists to identify key market gaps and use them to develop a conceptual design proposal for a new solar charged, battery powered electric fence energizer. Industrial design literature investigations provided a foundation for this project and specific methods were used to identify and utilize key information from the Gallagher product and energizer range and Gallagher’s competition. Other strategic research areas included; context of energizer use, common energizer issues, market gaps/opportunities, ergonomic principles, safety aspects, manufacturing guidelines and relevant state of the art technologies. The core research methods used to support the investigation and consider industrial design and business requirements were; market analysis, ethnography, surveys, informal expert interviews and focus group meetings with Gallagher departmental managers. Structured concept generation, test rigs, mock-ups, models, iterated design development and CAD renderings ensued. A potential market gap was discovered through these explorations where isolated farm blocks needed electric fencing, but had no mains power. The unit needed to be semiportable, yet had to have the potential power to supply the equivalent of mains powered energizer capabilities. Solar powered technology has widened the scope for design to solve this scenario, which provided the starting point for initial design concepts. The product was required to solve issues and objectives (functionality), be intuitive, easy to use and practical (usability), and appeal to the target market (desirability). The final design proposal is a modular energizer unit which allows the end user to customize the system to suit their individual needs. This investigation aimed to fulfil Gallagher’s brief to expand their solar powered energizer range, and uncover any other potential product opportunities in the market.
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    Ergonomic design of a physiologic birth-support system : a research thesis for the fulfilment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
    (Massey University, 1996) Yap, Boi Leong
    The main theme of this study is centred on the design and evaluation of an Obstetric Body-Support System for upright childbirth that is physiologic and biomechanically efficient, besides improving the tasks of the birth attendant in the management of labour and promoting the safety and well-being of the mother and her baby. Current practices in obstetrics and consumers' expectations are not congruent. Childbirth - a physiological event is increasingly being managed as a pathological process under medical and surgical frameworks. Medicalisation has increased iatrogenic risks to both mothers and babies and is causing profound concerns. The last two decades have witnessed two major developments in maternity care moving in opposite directions - the growing dependence on obstetric technology and the increasing demand for natural birth and humanised maternity care. Consumers' demands are no longer based simply on the emotive needs for change. They are based on recent research evidence that is indicating that less technological interference in childbirth is better than more. The posture adopted by the mother during labour is considered to be the most important factor for the safe passage of the foetus through the birth canal. There is Biblical and historical evidence that the natural posture adopted by women during childbirth has always been in some form of the upright position - sitting, squatting, kneeling and standing. The supine position for delivery facilitates the management of labour, but it has no established benefit for the maternal mother and the foetus. Many physiological disadvantages that adversely affect maternal well-being and foetal oxygenation are associated with the supine position. In contrast, the upright posture for childbirth has been found to be more beneficial to the mother and foetus. The advantages of the upright posture for labour include: taking advantage of gravitational forces to promote foetal descent; preventing compression of the aorta, inferior vena cava and umbilical cord; increasing the size of the pelvic inlet; promoting more effective bearing-down effort and promoting more efficient contraction. In terms of psychological responses, labouring in the seated position has been found to promote active participation, control and emotional satisfaction. This study examined some of these issues from an ergonomic perspective for the design and evaluation of an Obstetric Body-Support System that is compatible with the physiology of childbirth and the management of labour in current hospital settings. Antenatal and postnatal user trials were conducted to evaluate the new Obstetric Body-Support System. Responses from birth attendants and childbearing women for the new System were both positive and encouraging, indicating acceptance, system compatibility and design viability. The changing trend in childbirth demands solutions that are difficult to find in traditional maternity care and practice. The answer is in natural birth - where the woman's enormous psychological, physiological and biomechanical capabilities are relied upon to give birth spontaneously - without technological intervention. Ergodesign - a new hybrid interdisciplinary technology was conceived to design and evaluate the Obstetric Body-Support System that supports and facilitates natural childbirth in the upright position. It is argued that the use of ergonomics and design as separate disciplines militates cohesive design thinking and the creative processes. Besides the symbiotic aspects of ergodesign, the truly interdisciplinary attributes become an effective and synergistic design tool, that is more powerful than conventional approaches of applying ergonomics and design as separate disciplines. The ergodesigner as a scientist, designer as well as a change-agent played a vital role in solving the intricate human-equipment-environmental problems in the management of labour and childbirth in hospital systems. The application of ergonomics to improve childbirth is a complex task, requiring full participation from childbearing women, midwives and obstetricians. They contributed significantly by enlightening the ergodesigner with an "insight" surrounding labour and childbirth, and were involved in the development of body-support concepts, appraisals of mock-ups and evaluations of the prototype Obstetric Body-Support System. A programme of further work is planned to evaluate the clinical aspects of the maternal woman and the baby before conclusion can be drawn on the safety of the new Obstetric Body-Support System.
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    The emergence and development of ergonomics capability : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Studies at Massey University : case studies of innovation in product design and development
    (Massey University, 1992) Slappendel, Caroline
    The aim of this study was to examine how and why ergonomics capability emerges and develops within organisations. This study suggests that these changes in capability can be interpreted as involving complex innovation processes which are shaped by a combination of forces both internal and external to an organisation. This perspective differs from that adopted in earlier research which has focused on the general problem of ergonomics knowledge utilisation in organisational settings. A case study approach was used to conduct the research. The case study design consisted of six organisations (three pairs) operating from a manufacturing base in New Zealand. Each organisation pair operated in one of the following product-markets: petrol pumps, electric ranges and office seating. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, documents, archival sources and through observation. The case analysis focused primarily on ergonomics capability in relation to product design and development. This study supports the need for a more dynamic conceptualisation of ergonomics knowledge use - one which recognises that as knowledge is used within an organisation, knowledge is also created. Accordingly, the analysis focused on those processes associated with the emergence and development of in-house ergonomics capability. The interpretation of these processes was informed by theories and concepts relating to organisational learning and innovation. The analysis also revealed that the emergence and development of ergonomics capability was encouraged and constrained by a range of contextual factors which included top management goals, product strategy, organisation structure and resources. Furthermore, government policy was found to be a dominant external force through its diffuse and indirect impact on the knowledge environment and industry structure. The case analysis culminates in the presentation of a general framework for understanding the emergence and development of ergonomics capability in product development. While ergonomics capability is a core concept in the model, four other major elements are identified. These are staffing routines, top management orientation, organisational configuration and history, and the external environment. Twelve propositions are presented and various implications are drawn for ergonomic practice as well as for innovation theory.
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    Schoolbag carriage : design, adjustment, carriage duration and weight : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ergonomics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2006) Mackie, Hamish William
    There is anecdotal and scientific evidence to suggest that schoolbag carriage is associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and possibly long-term back pain. Thus schoolbag carriage is an area of concern for students, parents and both education and health professionals. A schoolbag weight limit of 10% of body weight (BW) is currently recommended. However, it is based on subjective observations rather than objective findings and does not consider other aspects of schoolbag carriage such as schoolbag design and adjustment or carriage patterns. Five studies were conducted in order to determine the effects on students' responses to schoolbag carriage of schoolbag design, adjustment, carriage duration and weight. Backpack design had a significant effect on reported musculoskeletal discomfort and choice of backpack. Schoolbag hip-belt and shoulder strap adjustment and weight significantly affected shoulder strap tension forces and shoulder interface pressure in simulated schoolbag carriage. Using activity monitoring, school students were found to spend approximately two hours carrying their schoolbags each day. This usually comprised 11-15 times per day of 8-9 minutes of carriage. Using this temporal pattern information, 16 boys (13-14 years) were exposed to a simulated school day using schoolbags weighing 0, 5, 10, 12.5 and 15% BW and an additional condition of 10% BW with tighter shoulder straps. Posture, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), muscular strain and reported ability to walk and balance were significantly affected when schoolbag load reached 10% BW. However, despite these findings, the magnitude of self reported muscular strain and MSD suggested that 15% BW may be too heavy for school students. Thus, 10% BW may be an appropriate upper schoolbag weight limit for a typical school day. Using a psychophysical approach the mean (standard deviation) maximum acceptable schoolbag weight (MASW) selected by 16 school boys (13-14 years) was 10.4(3.8) %BW. This finding agrees with the findings of the previous study and supports the current schoolbag weight recommendation of 10% BW. The results of the five studies can be used in developing schoolbag carrying guidelines to help reduce the prevalence of MSD amongst school students.