The optimal surface material and cross-section of power tool handles are not sufficiently described in ergonomic literature. The objective of the present study was to increase knowledge in these matters. The handle of four similar drilling machines were covered with rubber with different hardness. The preferences and forearm muscle electric activity (12 male and 12 female subjects) as well as the vibration level (6 male subjects) when using these drilling machines were assessed. The results showed that foam rubber on the handle is a more preferable covering material compared to harder rubber and it does not increase the muscular activity. Foam rubber on the handle may also to some extent attenuate vibrations.
Furthermore preferred width and thickness of handles for drilling machines were evaluated by letting 12 male and 12 female subjects perform three tasks: (a) choosing handle width (free choice) and ranking handle thickness (3 alternatives), (b) ranking handle width (3 alternatives), (c) making a handle out of hand putty (free choice). The subjects hand size (hand length, functional grip diameter and hand volume) were also measured and compared to their preferences. The results showed that the most commonly used handle cross-section size (50×35 mm) is an acceptable compromise in terms of preferences. The measured hand size measures had low correlation with preferred handle width/circumference.
Relevance to industry
Information concerning the design of handles for power tools is essential for tool designers. 相似文献
The effects of tree and room ripening and of storage at chill temperatures and at 26–29°C on the sensory quality, composition and respiration of edible wild mango fruits were investigated. Fruits harvested at the mature green stage and ripened at 26–29°C were slightly preferred to tree-ripened fruits in colour and texture. Apart from a lower moisture content, room-ripened fruits were comparable in composition with tree-ripened fruits. During storage at 26–29°C, CO2 production increased sharply from 22 ml kg-1 h-1 at the end of the first day, reaching a maximum of 91 ml kg-1 on day 5 and declining thereafter; O2 consumption followed a similar trend. The respiratory climacteric coincided with the onset of ripening. Fruits held at 12–15°C developed symptoms of chilling injury including pitting and black spots in mature green fruits, and brownish discoloration, pitting, surface scald, excessive softening and decay in ripe fruits. 相似文献