Information from a variety of sources is consolidated into eight principles. Each principle is explained and illustrated to aid designers as well as permit users to evaluate designs. The general principles are: 1. Use special-purpose tools, 2. Design tools to be used by either hand, and 3. Power with motors more than muscles. The principles concerning grips are: 4. Use a power grip for power; use a precision grip for precision, 5. Make the grip the proper thickness, shape and length, and 6. Design the grip surface to be compressible, non-conductive and smooth. The grip and tool geometry principles are: 7. Consider the angles of the forearm, grip and tool, and 8. Use the appropriate muscle group.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AyoubM.LoPrestiP., Oh my aching back. Factory, April 1966, 66–70.
2.
AyoubM.LoPrestiP.The determination of an optimum size cylindrical handle by use of electromyography. Ergonomics, 1971, 14, 4, 509–518.
3.
CapenerN.The hand in surgery. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Feb. 1956, 38B, 1, 128–151.
4.
DicksonA.PetrieA.NicolleF.CalnanJ.A device for measuring the force of the digits of the hand. Biomedical Engineering, July 1972, 270–273.
5.
EvansT.LucacciniL.HazellJ.LucasR.Evaluation of dental hand instruments. Human Factors, 1973, 15, 4, 401–406.
6.
HertzbergH.Some contributions of applied physical anthropology to human engineering. Annals New York Academy of Science, 1955, 63, 616–629.
7.
HuntL.A study of screwdrivers for small assembly work. The Human Factor (now Occupational Psychology), 1934, 9, 2, 70–73.
8.
KroehmerE.Engineering Anthropometry, Chapter 11 in Human Engineering Guide to Equipment Design, Van CottH.KincaidR., Editors, Sup. of Documents, 1973.
9.
MillerM.RansohoffJ.TichauerE.Ergonomic evaluation of a redesigned surgical instrument. Applied Ergonomics, 1971, 2, 4, 194–197.
10.
PatkinM.Surgical instruments and effort. Medical Journal of Australia, Jan. 31, 1970, 1, 225–226.
11.
PatkinM.Ergonomic design of a needleholder. Medical Journal of Australia, Sept. 6, 1969, 2, 490–493.
12.
RadonjicD.LongC.Kinesiology of the wrist. American Journal of Physical Medicine, 1971, 50, 3, 57–71.
13.
RigbyL.Why do people drop things?Quality Progress, Sept. 1973, 16–19.
14.
RoubalJ.KovarZ.Tool handles and control levers of machines. Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 1962, 5, 37–40.
15.
RubarthB., Untersuchung zur Bestgestaltung von Handheften fur Schraubenzieher und ahnliche Werkzeuge (Investigations concerning the best shape for handles for screwdrivers and similar tools.), Industrielle Psychotechnik, 1928, 5, 5, 129–142.
16.
SaranC.Biomechanical evaluation of T-handles for a pronation supination tasks. Sept. 1973, 15, 9, 712–716.
17.
WelchR.The measurement of physiological predis-position to tenosynovitis. Ergonomics, 1973, 16, 5, 665–668.
18.
WoodruffF.FoxJ.Applications of biotechnology to salvage archaeology. 1972, Proceedings of 16th Annual Meeting of the Human Factory Society, 1972, 216–219.
19.
WuY.Material properties criteria for thermal safety. Journal of Materials, JMLSA, Dec. 1972, Vol. 7, 4, 573–579.
