Comparison of force measurement systems for hand tools

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Niemel\"a, Tanja^{; *} | Lepp\"anen, Markku | P\"aivinen, Minna | Mattila, Markku

Affiliations: Occupational Safety Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Tanja Niemel\"a, Occupational Safety Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, FIN-33101 Tampere, Finland. Tel.: +358 3 3652507; Fax: +358 3 365 2671; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Ergonomic properties of a pair of pruning shears were tested using a new laboratory measurement system for non-powered hand tools. With this system, it is possible to measure simultaneously the EMG activity of two muscles, the opening angle of hand tool blades by means of a potentiometer and, by means of strain gages, the force transmitted to the handle. A measurement system was tested by comparing the forces needed to cut wood of a certain diameter, and the actual force required, as measured by a material-testing system. The correlation between forearm flexor muscle activity and the compression force created by the user was investigated. The evaluation of the experimental testing system for non-powered hand tools has shown that there are methods for the measurement of force demand and opening angle. However, some improvements are recommended before this measurement system is used widely in the field.

Keywords: ergonomics, hand tool, force measurement system, EMG, Eurohandtool

DOI: 10.3233/OER-2000-2306

Journal: Occupational Ergonomics, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 191-200, 2000