Abstract: Embodiments assess cumulative ergonomic risk. An embodiment includes receiving risk data where the risk data may include, for each task of a plurality of tasks performed by an operator, an indication of an ergonomic risk level, of a plurality of ergonomic risk levels, for the operator performing the task. Such an embodiment continues by restructuring the risk data received to determine, across the plurality of tasks, a total time duration for each joint of a plurality of joints of the operator, at each risk level. Thereafter, the embodiment determines the cumulative ergonomic risk based on the total time duration for each joint at each risk level.

Abstract: Embodiments determine manikin posture for simulations of real-world environments. An embodiment automatically generates a phrase by performing a hierarchical analysis using data regarding the real-world environment. According to an embodiment, the generated phrase describes a task, to be simulated, performed by a manikin in an environment. In turn, one or more posture engine inputs are determined based on the generated phrase. The posture for the manikin in a simulation of the manikin performing the task in the environment is then automatically determined based on the determined one or more posture engine inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat management in a side-by-side off-road vehicle having an engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) including a cooling system with a CVT cooling intake and a CVT cooling exhaust. The method and apparatus directs CVT cooling exhaust over at least a portion of the exhaust pipe of the engine and to shield heat from the occupant and cargo spaces of the vehicle. The apparatus includes at least one section that concentrically covers the exhaust pipe and channels airflow from the CVT cooling exhaust over the exhaust pipe to be emitted towards the muffler area at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide functionality to assess dynamic ergonomic risk. One such example embodiment receives process planning data for an operator performing a task. Based on the received process planning data, parameters for a time analysis are defined and a time analysis of the operator performing the task is performed using the defined parameters. In turn, static ergonomic risk is determined based on the received process planning data. Then, an indication of dynamic ergonomic risk is provided based on (i) results of performing the time analysis and (ii) the determined static ergonomic risk.

Abstract: Embodiments assess ergonomic risk of causing harm to a worker in a workplace. One such embodiment receives an indication of posture risk level for each of a plurality of digital human models performing a task. In turn, a weighted average of the received indications of posture risk level is determined. This determined weighted average is indicative of ergonomic risk to a real-world worker performing the task in a workplace. Embodiments consider consecutive risk through modifications to weights used in the determining the weighted average.

Abstract: Embodiments assess ergonomic risk in environments, such as factories and workstations. One such embodiment begins by receiving process planning data for an operator performing a task. In turn, the received process planning data is used to generate a posture for the operator to perform the task in a certain real-world environment. The generated posture is processed using a hierarchical decision tree to determine ergonomic risk of the posture in the certain real-world environment. Output includes an indication of the determined ergonomic risk.

Abstract: Embodiments determine manikin posture for simulations of real-world environments. An embodiment automatically generates a phrase by performing a hierarchical analysis using data regarding the real-world environment. According to an embodiment, the generated phrase describes a task, to be simulated, performed by a manikin in an environment. In turn, one or more posture engine inputs are determined based on the generated phrase. The posture for the manikin in a simulation of the manikin performing the task in the environment is then automatically determined based on the determined one or more posture engine inputs.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly has a first frame member defining a first frame member axis and a slot and having a first frame member connection portion adjacent the slot. A second frame member defining a second frame member axis has a projection and a second frame member connection portion adjacent thereto. The projection is received in the slot. The first frame member connection portion is connected to the second frame member connection portion to form a connection region in which the second frame member axis is disposed at a non-zero angle to the first frame member axis in the connection region. The method of assembling the frame includes inserting the projection into the slot, contacting the connection portions to each other to form the connection region with the members being positioned for connection with their axes disposed at a non-zero angle to each other, and connecting the connection portions.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly has a first frame member defining a first frame member axis and a slot and having a first frame member connection portion adjacent the slot. A second frame member defining a second frame member axis has a projection and a second frame member connection portion adjacent thereto. The projection is received in the slot. The first frame member connection portion is connected to the second frame member connection portion to form a connection region in which the second frame member axis is disposed at a non-zero angle to the first frame member axis in the connection region. The method of assembling the frame includes inserting the projection into the slot, contacting the connection portions to each other to form the connection region with the members being positioned for connection with their axes disposed at a non-zero angle to each other, and connecting the connection portions.

Abstract: Computer simulation generates improved 3D images of human movement involving an object associated with the human character. A set of axes in 3 dimensional space is originally defined for tracking orientation of the human character in a 3D image. This set of axes is subsequently automatically applied to and used for object(s) carried by the human character. The object is displayed at a constant (same, unchanged) orientation while the human character is illustrated moving in certain ways in succeeding 3D images.

Abstract: Computer simulation generates improved 3D images of human movement involving an object associated with the human character. A set of axes in 3 dimensional space is originally defined for tracking orientation of the human character in a 3D image. This set of axes is subsequently automatically applied to and used for object(s) carried by the human character. The object is displayed at a constant (same, unchanged) orientation while the human character is illustrated moving in certain ways in succeeding 3D images.