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This report, conducted at the School of Engineering in Jönköping within mechanical engineering: product development and design, focuses on the development of an exoskeleton for hedge trimmer operators. The project is aimed to create a mechanical solution to reduce the strain on hedge trimmer operator’s shoulders and upper bodies during long workdays. Tasks involving hedge trimmers cause significant stress on the shoulder area, which can lead to long-term injuries. Exoskeletons have the potential to support users by redistributing the load to stronger parts of the body. The goal of the project was to design an exoskeleton specifically for hedge trimmer operators to reduce the risk of work-related injuries and improve the work environment. The project began with a preliminary study that included market analysis, interviews with professional users, and testing of existing exoskeletons. A specification of requirements was formulated based on the collected data, and several concepts were generated through brainstorming. The final concept was selected using Pugh's matrix, where different options were compared against a reference product from Hilti. The chosen design for the exoskeleton includes a spring-loaded mechanism placed on the user's back. The springs provide support at the right angle and reduce shoulder strain by transferring the load to the back and hips. The prototype was based on Husqvarna's existing harness, which contributed to reduced production costs and adaptability. The prototype meets most of the requirements in the specification, such as providing mechanical support to the shoulders and the ability to adjust the force. However, further tests and adjustments are needed to optimize the design and ensure user-friendliness. Future research should include field tests with actual users and the implementation of adjustment options for the spring force. This study lays the foundation for the future development of exoskeletons for hedge trimmer operators and potentially other tools, aiming to improve the work environment and reduce the risk of work-related injuries in the gardening and forestry industries. |
