Consultancy

The RK Rose+Krieger modular flooring has already been approved by the movement laboratory at the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart.
The RK Rose+Krieger modular flooring has already been approved by the movement laboratory at the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart.

RK Rose+Krieger supplies innovative modular flooring to biomechanical laboratories

 
The versatile flooring modules also make it possible to simulate inclined planes and staircases

The versatile flooring modules also make it possible to simulate inclined planes and staircases

Tested by the Fraunhofer IPA Stuttgart

RK Rose+Krieger GmbH System- & Lineartechnik has designed a modular flooring system that facilitates versatile force plate positioning. Additions such as stairs, ramps or workstations may also be integrated. The system, registered for patent approval, is based on Rose+Krieger's BLOCAN® aluminium profiles. The modular flooring has already been tested – and approved – by the movement laboratory at the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart. The modular flooring system helps ensure the level insertion of force plates. This makes it possible to obtain and visualise precise information about forces affecting the different impact points. No adjustments need to be made to the sub-structure: the individual flooring plates are attached to a base made of BLOCAN® aluminium profiles – for versatile handling combined with absolute stability. The system is compatible with all standard types of measuring system; customers may select the flooring surface to suit their requirements. The individual modules can be manually swapped around, allowing the user to arrange and secure measuring and running plates as needed. Other additions such as camera systems and workstations can be set up as required. The versatile modules also make it possible to simulate inclined planes and staircases.
 
Versatile force plates inserted in the modular floor of the biomechanical laboratory record the movement data of the test subjects

Versatile force plates inserted in the modular floor of the biomechanical laboratory record the movement data of the test subjects

Recording and analysing movement sequences

The RK Rose+Krieger modular flooring has already been approved by the movement laboratory at the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart. The biomechanical laboratory conducts research into human movement sequences and the forces involved. Over an area of 90 square metres, with a maximum running track of 12 metres, the movement and strain data of test subjects can be recorded with a huge degree of precision. The entire laboratory consists of BLOCAN® aluminium profiles and tube connectors supplied from the RK product range. In the process, the modular flooring system allows the sensitive measuring elements to be positioned within the space as required: beneath/in the plates there is space for sensors, cables and channels, as well as additional equipment – as soon as something is needed elsewhere, it can simply be re-positioned. In addition to these special versatile force plates inserted in the flooring, the experts at the Fraunhofer Institute use infra-red cameras to capture 3D movement, mobile load cells, high speed video cameras, as well as pressure and muscle activity measuring systems. This allows for comprehensive assessments – within the scope, for instance, of clinical gait and movement analyses, prosthetics/orthotics, or sports biomechanics.
 
Versatile force plates inserted in the modular floor of the biomechanical laboratory record the movement data of the test subjects

Versatile force plates inserted in the modular floor of the biomechanical laboratory record the movement data of the test subjects

Optimising ergonomic workstations

Such a laboratory is also extremely helpful when it comes to designing ergonomic products and solutions. In this area, the product design department at RK Rose+Krieger has already benefited from a joint project with the Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart: "We also offer customers ergonomically optimised assembly workstations", explains Manfred Pelz, managing director of RK Rose+Krieger GmbH System-&Lineartechnik. The movement laboratory enables the precise analysis of the physical strains faced by an assembly line worker on a regular basis. Taking the results of this research, the experts can then make further improvements to the workstations. Manfred Pelz explains, "Our aim is to achieve the optimum biomechanical posture and strain distribution for those working in a range of occupations, to preserve physical fitness, and to provide mechanical support in the completion of complicated manufacturing or assembly tasks." This describes a further application for the modular flooring – in addition to ergonomics and biomechanics, the system is also suited to application in some very different sectors: in the film industry, for instance, where it enables movements to be digitized for animated films. Last but not least, the flooring can also be used as a false floor for the integrated laying of cables in office premises, electrical compartments and computer centres.

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RK Rose+Krieger supplies innovative modular flooring to biomechanical laboratories