Vibration Monitor Feasibility Study
When increasing global competition from low–cost manufacturers forced an East Midlands industrial sewing machine specialist to diversify, it directed its attention at new EU legislation aimed at protecting workers from harmful levels of vibration. Recognising that compliance with the regulations would require novel health surveillance devices, the firm established a subsidiary and turned to the Integrated Products Manufacturing KTN for the multi–disciplinary expertise that would enable a step change in its products' capabilities, and hence move up the value chain.
Over 20 million workers in the EU, operating pneumatic and hand held tools, are exposed to levels of vibration that can induce symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. The introduction of EU legislation aimed at preventing the development of the syndrome, which encompasses Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Vibration White Finger, requires industries from construction to forestry and mining to shipbuilding to ensure the safety of their workers. The company recognized that if it could embed electronics with sophisticated vibration analysis software within its products, it would have the chance to capitalise on this emerging market.
A feasibility study for a self–contained hand/arm vibration monitor worn throughout the working day was carried out for the company on behalf of the Integrated Products Manufacturing KTN. This identified a realistic means of achieving the objective: a product that could measure a worker's real–time vibration exposure, communicate with the tools used and provide a permanent record enabling the exposure of workers to be ethically controlled. Taking the product to market was going to require medical studies – to enhance understanding of the link between vibration characteristics and the resulting neurological and vascular effects induced within the body – and multi–sector vibration exposure studies.
Utilising the KTN's extensive network, a multi–disciplinary consortium was established, led by the company, and including medical and research institutes and end user companies in the shipbuilding, construction, drilling, metal working and foundry sectors. EU R&D funding, with a grant value of €2.4 million, has been applied for, with the aim of developing a market–leading product.