An Electromyographic Methodology for the Evaluation of Industrial Design

Abstract

This paper reports a new technique for evaluating industrial designs, based on electromyographic recordings of the muscles involved in carrying out the intended task. A hybrid computer circuit quantifies total muscular effort expended in performing the industrial task and the design that optimizes this measure is selected. The methodology has been shown to be effective in evaluating effort associated with static as well as dynamic tasks and therefore can be applied in a multitude of situations. Evaluation of the shape and size of a torque-wrench handle illustrates how the technique may be used in selecting an optimal design.