Análisis ergonómico del proceso de defoliación en postcosecha de microempresas florícolas de Cayambe como base para el diseño de un deshojador

Abstract

One of the fundamental pillars of the Ecuadorian economy today is rose floriculture, with Cayambe being one of the main production areas, particularly through microenterprises. This activity demands high physical effort, which in the long term can lead to musculoskeletal disorders in workers. In this context, the manual defoliation process in rose classification, a post-harvest activity, constitutes a high-risk task due to extreme repetitiveness, continuous postures, and the prolonged use of empirical tools lacking ergonomic validation. To address this problem, the research applied a mixed-methods approach with an exploratory and descriptive level, based on analytical and synthetic methods. A purposive non-probability sampling method was used, including the operators of the activity and experts in specific areas relevant to the study. The activity was evaluated through semi-structured interviews and the application of ergonomic methods such as RULA and OCRA Check List. The prototype was developed following the User-Centered Design methodology, where user needs are central to the entire process. The research lines pursued in this study are Design, Materials, Production, Identity, Sustainability, and Applied Technologies. Innovation is present in the research through the design and validation of an ergonomic rose defoliation tool prototype using 3D printing in PETG. This tool stands out for incorporating an actuation mechanism that prevents the hand from closing completely, significantly reducing the force applied and offering a solution adapted to the production context of the floriculture industry.