About DOFs (Degrees of Freedom)
DOFs (degrees of freedom) constrain the movement of manikin segments in a way that is similar to the range of movement of a human body. Not all DOFs are available for all manikin segments.
• DOF X—Controls flexion, red on the dragger
Usually brings the moving manikin segment closer to the proximal (nearer to the center of the body or point of attachment) neighboring manikin segment. Rotate the red arc of the dragger, and the distal manikin segment rotates around the red dragger handle.
Examples of moving manikin segments within DOF X:
◦ Upper arm
Video:
◦ Forearm
Video:
◦ Lower back
Video:
• DOF Y—Controls lateral flexion, green on dragger
Usually brings the moving segment away from the plane that divides the left and right sides of the manikin. Rotate the green arc of the dragger, and the distal manikin segment rotates around the green dragger handle.
Examples of moving manikin segments within DOF Y:
◦ Upper arm
Video:
◦ Lower back
Video:
• DOF Z—Controls rotation, blue on dragger
Usually rotates the manikin segment around its own proximal-distal axis.
Examples of moving manikin segments within DOF Z:
◦ Upper arm
In the video, rotating the left upper arm within DOF Z twists the left arm. You can see the kinematic chain move the hand:
◦ Lower back
In the video, rotating the lower back within DOF Z twists the trunk:
Video
See use cases that show unlocking degrees of freedom in a video.