Recipient Organization
GREEN HERON TOOLS, LLC
6239 SCHOCHARY RD.
NEW TRIPOLI,PA 18066
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The number of women farmers in the U.S. has been rising over the past several decades, with the rate of growth accelerating between the 2002 and 2007 Censuses of Agriculture, to nearly 1 million female farm operators in 2007. Between 1980 and 2002, the number of women-operated farms had increased by 86%, a rate far surpassing growth in U.S. farms overall. These data underscore the need for agricultural tools & equipment that are appropriate for women. In general, tools & equipment function best and are safest and easiest to operate when they fit the user. Because women's and men's bodies are markedly different - women, for example, tend to be shorter and to have 40-75% less upper-body strength & 5-30% less lower-body strength than men - agricultural equipment designed for men will not "fit" or be optimal for the vast majority of female users. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that some of women's anatomical and physiological characteristics may place them at particular risk for farm injuries and musculoskeletal disabilities, the leading cause of disability for people in their working years. Despite women's key role in agriculture & the importance of appropriate tools, there appear to be no agricultural tools or equipment on the U.S. market that were designed explicitly for women. Instead, virtually all tools and equipment seem to have been designed either for men or for some "average" user whose size, weight, strength etc. were heavily influenced by the average man's. Through this project, Green Heron Tools will research and design safer, more user-friendly alternative(s) to the traditional full-size walk-behind rotary tiller, a vital piece of equipment on small farms of the type most often operated by women. Rotary tillers were the highest priority for redesign cited by women farmers & market growers providing input to Green Heron Tools during its Phase I SBIR project. The scientific design process will be based on data about women's anatomy and physiology, and will incorporate input already obtained from women farmers; state-of-the-art knowledge related to ergonomics, human factors & fuel/energy efficiency; and latest technology & materials. Anticipated benefits include: 1) A reduction in agriculturally related injuries and disabilities among women farmers, leading to a decrease in lost productivity, missed work days and health care costs; 2) Improved quality of life for women farmers; 3) An increase in productivity of women farmers, leading to enhanced viability of farming for women; and 4) The potential for the U.S. to become a world leader in producing agricultural equipment appropriate for women. The resulting tillage equipment is also expected to be safer and easier to operate for some men, particularly older men and those of smaller stature.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Project objectives are: 1. To design and build a prototype of a rototiller-substitute (which we are generically calling a tiller) compatible with the anthropometrics, physiology, needs and preferences of women users 2. To research the technical feasibility and economic viability of using alternative (non-fossil) fuels to power the tiller 3. To research appropriate manufacturing options, marketing strategies and distribution channels for the tiller 4. To research potential additional markets for GHT products, including males with reduced upper body strength (e.g., older male farmers), males of smaller stature (e.g., Hispanic and Asian males), and international markets. Expected outputs include: design & construction of a soil engagement device, by March 2011; assessment of potential alternative fuel/energy sources, by April, 2011; adaptation, adoption or construction of a power source, by August 2011; construction of a prototype frame for the soil engagement device, by February, 2012; construction of the finished prototype(s), by April 2012; development of marketing plan, by April, 2012; demonstrations to potential users & other interested professionals, by June, 2012; development of a plan for phased introduction of new tillage equipment, by July, 2012; completed CAD(s), by August, 2012; selection of potential manufacturer(s) by end of August, 2012; completion of a report on potential additional markets (domestic & international) for new tillage equipment, including analysis of data from two focus groups, by August, 2012.
Project Methods
Equipment will be designed based on a combination of anthropometric and other human factors data, the latest principles of ergonomic design and use of state-of-the-art materials and technology, including in the field of alternative energy / fuels. Design will also be informed by qualitative data obtained during Phase I via focus groups, surveys and interviews; qualitative data obtained during Phase II from potential users; and field testing of prototypes by project investigators and staff. Any relevant standards (e.g., ASTM International) will be incorporated into the design, and all engineering work will be carried out in accordance with accepted engineering / scientific standards. The project's focus on the needs of women users makes it unique. An 8-step, non-linear design process will be utilized. Evaluation at all stages will focus on detecting and eliminating design or safety flaws; ensuring ease of use; and ensuring effectiveness for identified tasks. The majority of the testing will be conducted by members of the design team, as an ongoing part of building, testing and refining tiller components. Upon completion of prototypes, additional evaluation will be conducted by the team's ergonomics specialist, via direct or videotaped observation of the PD/PI and co-PD/PI operating the equipment, as well as through simple physiological assessments - e.g., use of a force gauge to assess arm and lower back force. Throughout the project Green Heron Tools will continue to undertake a variety of efforts to educate women farmers about the health and safety benefits of using tools and equipment designed specifically for women's bodies. These will include dissemination of information through presentations at farming conferences and outreach to electronic and print media. Findings will be disseminated to professional audiences through publications and conference presentations. Evaluation of the project itself will be primarily formative, with an expanded version of the proposal work plan being used as the basis for ensuring that objectives and outputs are achieved. Regular meetings of the investigators and consultants (engineers and ergonomics specialist) will be used for continuous improvement - i.e. to ensure the project remains on schedule and to problem-solve any barriers. Summative evaluation for this project will consist of a straightforward examination of whether objectives have been achieved.