Thesis Defense - Ahmet Emre Çataklı (MSME)

Ahmet Emre Çataklı – M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering

Assoc. Prof. Polat Şendur - Advisor

Asst. Prof. Ramazan Ünal – Co-Advisor

Date: 05.08.2025

Time: 12:00

Location: AB4 428

HUMAN NECK DYNAMIC MODELING AND DESIGNING ASSISTIVE NECK DEVICE DESIGN FOR NECK PAIN PREVENTION

Assoc.Prof. Polat Şendur, Özyeğin University

Assoc. Prof. Özkan Bebek, Özyeğin University

Assoc. Prof. Devrim Tarakçı, Istanbul Medipol University

Abstract:

Pain in the neck is a frequent musculoskeletal issue, particularly among office employees, those who remain standing for extended durations, and individuals who hold static positions for a long time. Continuous forward neck flexion leads to muscle fatigue, elevated EMG activity, and decreased pain tolerance, negatively impacting quality of life and productivity. This research presents NACK (Neck Assistive Cervical Kit) which is an aid created with a comprehensive multibody neck model to assist in preventing neck discomfort by promoting proper posture. The system integrates a helpful headband with a conventional office chair to reduce excessive neck bending. A 6-DOF biomechanical neck model was created in MSC ADAMS to replicate realistic neck motions. The optimal placement and stiffness of the spring were identified using Design of Experiments (DOE). The ultimate design was enhanced in SOLIDWORKS, evaluated with finite element analysis(FEA), and prototyped using 3D printing for weight and comfort. Twenty participants underwent tests using surface EMG sensors placed on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and upper trapezius (UT), along with IMU data. Findings indicated diminished SCM and UT activity along with a remarkable reduction in total neck muscle force, demonstrating the preventive advantage of the design. The model is capable of analyzing deep neck muscles,showcasing NACK’s ability as a practical, ergonomic solution to alleviate neck strain for individuals working at desks.

Bio:

Ahmet Emre Çataklı graduated from Özyeğin University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In September 2023, he began his master’s studies under the supervision of Dr. Polat Şendur and Dr. Ramazan Ünal. Since then, he has been working as a research assistant in the Acoustics and Vibrations Laboratory where he has design and developed an assistive device that prevent the neck pain for office workers.  His work covers various topics, including human-centered design, static and dynamic analysis, vibration analysis, human biomechanics, and biomedical sensors. His research interests mainly consists of biomechanics, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computer-Assisted Engineering (CAE).