Structural Design of Garlic Plants Footplate Considering Physical Characteristics of Elderly Women

Abstract

Purpose A footplate was designed based on the body indexes of elderly women to prevent falls, which are the most common accidents among elderly women operating agricultural machinery. Methods Based on the body indexes of women, which were surveyed by the National Institute of Standards, as well as the ISO-4252 standard (2007), a footplate position for elderly women was identified. In this study, we evaluated the safety of the footplate utilizing the ANSYS finite-element analysis software to determine the stresses generated in the footplate when a person steps on and off of a garlic planter. Results Considering the ISO-4252 standard (2007) in combination with the body dimensions and driving environment of elderly women aged 40 to 69 years, a single footplate was designed with a 300 mm height and a shape to reduce slipping. After conducting finite-element analysis based on the weight of an adult male, it was determined that one or more safety factors were ensured. Conclusions Based on this research, an age- and female-friendly footplate was designed to prevent elderly women from falling when operating agricultural machinery.