A-9 Analysis of Physical Strain of Baby Stroller Users in Driving Environment(Mechanical Systems)

Abstract

Baby strollers are essential tool for transportation of infants. However, present public environment is hardly comfortable for baby stroller users. So, the stroller users sometimes feel danger and physical strain, because they can not handle the strollers. This research shows that operability of the baby strollers in several environmental conditions, such as cross slope and ruggedness road, can change by adjustment of the baby stroller dimension. First, a usability criterion using a manipulating force ellipsoid is designed and a variable dimension stroller developed. Next, by using the criterion and the stroller, its turning motion on flat plane and straight motion on both cross slopes and ruggedness roads are measured and evaluated. Then, it is confirmed that operability of the stroller in each movement can change by adjusting the size parameters of the stroller. Finally, the relationship between environmental conditions and stroller features is clarified, and guidelines for appropriate usage in consideration with physical characteristics of the user are provided.