Lumber Grader Workstations

Addressing arm wrist & hand repetitive motion injuries

Typical grader tasks & workstations

Hand marking & board handling

Highly repetitive flipping 2x4, 2x6 & 2x8 on continuous conveyor

Typical Grading Methodology

Highly repetitive flipping 2x4, 2x6 & 2x8 on continuous conveyor

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

Highly Adjustable Workstations With Custom Input Devices

Training device with hand input devices developed to follow existing complex coding system - Final prototype used as model for final computer input device

Input device prototype

Right hand control with custom joystick & computer interface

Left hand control with computerized button configuration - coded to specific fingers & thumb

Right hand control with custom joystick

Concept / mock-up sketches

Problem

Hand, arm & shoulder RMI injuries

Continuous flipping of 2x4, 2x6 & 2x8 up to 12 feet long for 6 sided visual inspection – marked by crayon

Training capability in tandem with initial grading task computeriztion

Issue

Develop an input device enabling graders to input complex codes and to train existing / new graders on system

Requirements were to allow fast, easy adjustment for stand up workstation adaptable to infinite differing body sizes and types

Hand controls to meet specific frequency and configuration to complex coding per established practice and address potential RMI with long term use

Solution

Prototype development of perching workstation with adjustable height swing out arm controls with custom hand pieces / joysticks and buttons in custom configuration with sensory feedback

Result

Training devices prototyped and installed

Graders trained on devices with final models installed on line

Prototype used as models for final computer input configuration