An alternative approach to whole-body vibration measurement

Rantaharju T., University of Oulu, Measurement and Sensor Laboratory, Kajaani

Ruotsalainen K., University of Oulu, Centre for Wireless Communications, Vuokatti
Romppainen P. & Partanen A., Kajaani University of Applied Sciences

Introduction
Whole-body vibration (WBV) refers to vibration that is
transmitted through supporting surfaces to the human
body. Many occupational groups, such as operators of
heavy machinery, are exposed to WBV during their daily
working routines. Long-term WBV exposure is associated
with health symptoms, such as low back pain [1]. WBV
also causes discomfort and disturbs task performance.

Basis for the

The prevention of health risks has been taken into

account
in
the
European
Parliament
directive
2002/44/EC [2]. The amount of vibration, expressed as
the frequency weighted root mean square (RMS) value of
acceleration, should not exceed certain limits during any
8-hour working day. The measurement methods are
defined in the ISO 2631-1 standard [3]. According to the
standard, vibration shall be measured at the human-seat
interface using a triaxial accelerometer mounted in a
new
approach
semi-rigid
disc.

The long-term measurement of WBV is not required by the directive, even if the health effects arise in the long-run. In
addition, the standardized measurement method is quite uncomfortable for the operator. Kajaani University of Applied
Sciences, The Measurement and Sensor Laboratory of Oulu University (MILA) and The Centre for Wireless
Communications (CWC) of Oulu University have adopted an alternative approach to the WBV measurement. The goal
is the development of a comprehensive solution for the long-term measurement.

The wireless measurement system

Alternative sensor solutions

The wireless measurement system is modular and conforms to the

requirements defined in the directive 2002/44/EC. The main use of
the system is the continuous measurement in a machinery
environment. The architecture of the system is represented in figure
1.

Alternative sensor configurations, better

suited for the continuous monitoring of the
WBV exposure of the operator, have been
studied and tested. Promising results have
been obtained when burying accelerometers
in the seat pad at the region of the ischial
tuberosities (figure 2). When compared with
the standard method, there were only minor
differences in the RMS values of the
alternative method [4].

Figure 1. Architecture of the wireless measurement system

for WBV.

Description of the system

The measurement card acts as the main module of the system.
It establishes a body sensor network by the Zigbee interface.
The body sensor network is used for data acquisition from the
wireless sensors. Additionally, the measurement card is able to
calculate frequency weighted RMS values of the acquired
acceleration data. In the machinery environment, this
information can be transferred to the vehicle information
system by the CAN interface. This information can also be
transferred to a PC or a mobile phone using the WLAN
interface. The mobile phone buffers and then transmits the
data toBenefits
a remote server
using
the GPRS/3G
or any other
of the
new
approach
possible connection.
Long-term, individualized WBV measurement will enable the
detection of harmful working periods. Data can be used by
employers, machine manufacturers and researchers to
improve working conditions and study WBV as a whole.
References
[1] Bovenzi M. et al. (1999) Int Arch Occup Environ Health 72, s. 351365
[2] Directive 2002/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council
[3] ISO 2631-1:1997 Mechanical vibration and shock
[4] Rantaharju T. (2009) Vaihtoehtoinen kiihtyvyysanturointi
kehotrinn jatkuva-aikaiseen mittaamiseen

Figure 2. Standard and alternative

methods.

Vibration simulation laboratory

A repeatable and reliable vibration stimulus can
be provided by a 6DOF motion system also being
able to replicate vibration measured from
machinery (figure 3).

Figure 3. 6DOF motion base (Moog

Inc.).