Designing and Evaluation of Washing Machine Base Stand Using Quality Function Deployment and Ergo-Fellow

Abstract

Currently, many of the discomforts that washing machine users experience in the back, hands, and shoulders are caused by the wrong way of the static and/or dynamic body positions as they bend to the level of the machine, move clothes, and return to the moderation stand. Data was collected through surveys and interviews to explore the common problems with washing machines and whether they comply with the current safety and ergonomic requirements. Data analysis showed that most of the available washing machine bases were not made according to ergonomic considerations as users experienced different discomforts in the shoulders and lower part of the spine. This paper introduces an improved ergonomic design for a washing machine base stand based on customers' needs and integrates customers’ requirements and desires with the new product using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique. The proposed design of the Flexible Washing Machine Base Stand (FWMS) has been developed to make the washing process safer and help users work more comfortably, efficiently, and effectively. The research methodology includes three research tasks: Firstly, a 3-D model for evaluating and improving the ergonomics quality of the comprehensive conceptual design drawings was formed using computer-aided design (CAD) to minimize modification time and to allow for flexible editing of the initial design. Secondly, analysis was conducted using the Ergo-Fellow software tool to obtain anthropometric data for ergonomic ends and to evaluate and improve workplaces. Thirdly, a rapid prototype (RP) was developed to analyze the conceptual perception of FWMS features and assess its functionality. The prototype of the FWMS concept design was fabricated by a 3D printing machine using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology. Analysis of the results using different tools and techniques showed that the improved design of the Flexible Washing Machine Base Stand could protect users and prevent workplace-related injuries along with the considerations of safety and ergonomics issues with additional competitive attractive features at a reasonable cost