Supporting Method for Carrying Heavy Loads Focused on Construction Sites

(Development of a Tool to Assist Holding and Lifting Down Long Objects with Braking Mechanism)

Abstract

Recently, various machines have been developed to facilitate physical work with the progression of technology. Especially, powered exoskeletons have been highly expected to be used for heavy labor and already designed for specific situations such as transporting injured people after natural disaster or agricultural work. Meanwhile, there are a few studies into assisting items at construction sites where carrying heavy materials is required. Therefore, this research has explored supporting methods for heavy labor such as carrying long objects at construction sites. Carrying long objects and flat boards, focused on repeating holding the arms at target position and lifting down slowly, the authors decided to assist upper limbs, especially two parts of muscles that are around the shoulder and elbow joints where the load applies. About the shoulder joint, the lock mechanism with gear rack assists holding, and small damper assists lifting down. Regarding the elbow joint, the mechanism using small brake assists holding. The possibility of the load reduction effect has been found by developing the tool, in experience of holding and lifting down structural plywood, focused on EMG.