Application of Human Engineering Principles and Techniques in the Design of Electronic Production Equipment

Abstract

The Human Engineering Group was asked to investigate a microwelding operation considered by management to be a critical problem area. The operation, involving manual welding and trimming of wire grids, was excessively demanding on human resources. In spite of hourly break periods, the operators complained of excessive fatigue, back strain, and leg pains. The Human Engineering Group, in conjunction with the Industrial Design Group, studied the problem and recommended a drastically revised work environment. The rationale for developing design solutions is discussed, followed by the translation of design concepts into hardware definitions. A description follows of the monitoring of the construction and operations performed on a prototype.