Wireless system for the continuous observation of whole-body vibration in heavy machinery

Several occupational groups are exposed to substantial amounts of vibration daily due to normal working routines, like operating heavy equipment or driving vehicles on uneven surfaces. Vibration that affects the whole human body and is transferred to the body through supporting systems such as the seat or floor is defined as whole-body vibration (WBV). Studies have shown that longterm exposure to WBV creates adverse health effects, of which lower back pain is the most common. Such symptoms may affect a person´s quality of life or even cause incapacitation. Even though a correlation between health problems and long-term WBV exposure is evident, mechanisms behind the symptoms have remained unexplained. This paper presents a novel approach to the continuous observation of WBV in heavy machinery. The key elements of the approach are the incorporation of a measurement system into heavy machinery, enhanced comfort, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Small alternative sensor devices that improve comfort with respect to the standardized method were investigated in wired and wireless form. Wireless data transmission was then utilized to provide effortless and cost-effective data acquisition from the machinery to the remote server. The system was able to execute the calculations, transfer the resulting parameters to a remote server where information about predominant vibration conditions could be accessed instantaneously, and acquire and store raw acceleration data for further research.