Project Title: Fatigue Reducer Handle
Introduction: The project is about reducing fatigue and potential injuries. Shoveling causes about 11,500 injuries per year(Matoska). The project is a 2nd attachable and adjustable handle for shovels. The expected users are construction workers or people in cold areas that snow a lot. The requirements include: that the clamp can attach to multiple shovels, not break under a set load(as a prototype), have the hinges at angles that help the user, and the push button poles adjust properly.
Objectives: The goal is to achieve a handle that can be used by anyone to reduce fatigue in the back. The features include a clamp to attach to shovels, push button poles to adjust the length, and a hinge to adjust the angle of the handle. The project has been narrowed to just a prototype for the purposes of angle and length adjustments and lightweight load. Based on the 3d print materials being used to create it may not hold up to proper weight load testing. The design cannot be overly bulky or thin. The challenges would include attachment of the pieces together, and angles on the hinge.
Design Strategy: The design would begin with using cardboard to find the correct scale. Then translate those into Solidworks and design the pieces. Make sure hardware diameters and lengths are accounted for. Once the clamp that will be used is acquired, it will be measured to make an adapter piece that connects the clamp to a shaft of the second handle. The parts will be 3D printed and put together using an adhesive. Once it's assembled, the original cardboard will be compared to make sure there is little difference. If the lengths need to be adjusted extensions can be 3D printed to attach to the shafts. The project then will be tested to make sure the clamp works along with push button shafts, and hinge. The project uses two basic mechanical systems, one is a push button pole to adjust length. The other is a hinge using a bolt for the hinge to rotate on and a pin to lock the angle. Alternatives to the adhesive and hinge location of the project. For the adhesive, the parts will have threads for better attachment. As well for better angles, the hinge can be put on the clamp to better adjust the angle. During testing the only concern would be the 3D material breaking and possibly entering the eye. To prevent that safety glasses will be used during testing. Should not be needed during construction.
Plan of Action: The plan of action or task is to create the rough scale on cardboard only 2d. Then start putting the drawn-out designs from the datebook into 3d models in Solidworks. Once the pieces are 3D printed, construction to put them together will begin. Once put together the project will be tested for adjustment to length and angle. As well as tight attachment to a shovel and a snow shovel.
Verification: Testing Procedures: The test procedure includes putting on safety glasses and then adjusting the lengths of the shafts at each push button hole. If it can smoothly change back and forth between all of them 3 times it passes. The same for the hinge angles. Once those pass the clamp will be tested to make sure it doesn't move everything will be tested 3 times. After that, the handle will be attached to a shovel and tested on a set load for example to start would be 5 lbs.
Tolerance Analysis: The parameters that most affect the project are the hinge angle, length adjustment, and strength of the components. The hinge is two pieces and has corresponding holes to put a pin to lock it at set angles.
Cost and Schedule: Cost Analysis: The total cost of the project materials would be $60. The list of materials and parts are as followed: shovel(not included in price), snow shovel(not included in price), shovel handle($7.39), 3D material($15.99), Push buttons($7.99), Clamps($10.99), Bolt and nuts($18), Locking pins($8.20). The labor costs for creating and testing the prototype would be $17*15=$255
Schedule: The designs and purchasing of the materials will be completed from October 2nd to October 12th. The construction of the subsystems and pieces together will be completed from the 12th to the 19th. And from the 20th to November 7th the project will be tested and redesigned.
Bibliography:
Nwachuku, A., & Peer-Reviewed, D. O. (n.d.). Snow Shoveling Techniques to Prevent Low Back Injuries | Spine-health. Www.spine-Health.com. https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/snow-shoveling-techniques-prevent-low-back-injuries
What Are The Health Benefits of Snow Shoveling? (2022, December 27). Intermountainhealthcare.org. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-snow-shoveling
Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2017). (none). Ccohs.ca. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/shovel.html
The Best Snow Shovel. (2022, November 15). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-snow-shovels/
Matoska, T. (2022, January 5). 4 Exercises for Back Pain Relief After Snow Shoveling - Athletico. Athletico. https://www.athletico.com/2022/01/05/4-exercises-for-back-pain-relief-after-snow-shoveling/