Analysis to Improve the Strength of Beds Due to the Excess Weight of Users in Slovakia

Abstract

Good quality sleep is a prerequisite for regenerating the human body, hence, beds should be optimized for specific group of users, taking into consideration their size or age. Current research studies show similar trends in adult populations around the world, where increases in height as well as in weight can be observed. Not only the ergonomics but also the safety of beds, which is determined by the quality and dimensions of structural elements, must be taken into account in bed design. Designing the structural elements for users with a high body weight is presented in the paper. The properties of a bed’s structural elements, which ensure comfort as well as the safety of a bed are affected by the excess weight of users. New requirements for cross sections, suitable materials and construction of structural elements were set in accordance with the standard EN 1725:1998 [1]. Also, an analysis of stresses was done using the finite element method (FEM) and the calculation of allowable stresses related to a user weighing 150 kg. The results of our research provide complete standards and regulations associated with the safety requirements of bedroom furniture for users with a weight more than 110 kg to ensure that the manusfacture of quality products in Slovakia.

Construction of Wood-Based Lamella for Increased Load on Seating Furniture

“…In 2002, the 95th, 98th and 99th percentiles for the body weight of men in the US were 114.6 kg, 131.61 kg and 141.17 kg [18]. [19].…”

“…Moreover, the weight of 11% of these men was more than 130 kg. Based on BMI data in Slovakia, in 2017, 400,000 men in Slovakia suffered from obesity and 90,000 men suffered from severe obesity [19][20][21][22][23]. Various industrial sectors, such as automation, aviation, furniture manufacturing, footwear, and clothing industries have been affected by the current trend in human dimensions, especially steady weight gain and an increase in human height over the last few years [24][25][26].…”

“…11 (2015) [34]. Similar standards were also accepted in Australia, e.g., the standard AFRDI 142 (2012) focused on four categories of users of "heavy duty" office chairs: 135 kg for a single shift (8 h), 135 kg for multiple shifts, 160 kg for single/multiple shifts Overweight and obese men in European countries in 2016 [19].…”

“…Moreover, the weight of 11% of these men was more than 130 kg. Based on BMI data in Slovakia, in 2017, 400,000 men in Slovakia suffered from obesity and 90,000 men suffered from severe obesity [19][20][21][22][23]. Overweight and obese men in European countries in 2016 [19].…”

Analysis of workplace injuries in Slovakian state forestry enterprises

“…From the point of view of the long-term changing anthropometric parameters of the adult population, it is also necessary to take into account the ergonomic parameters and the technological procedures of the performed work and the working environment [31][32].…”