Evaluation and Optimization of Handle Design Parameters of a Grass Trimming Machine

• Autorzy: Mallick Z.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The grass trimming machine is a widely used agricultural machine for cutting grass by the roadside and in other areas in Malaysia. Hand–arm vibration (HAV) syndrome is very common among workers operating power tools and performing similar work for extended periods. Grass trimming involves the use of a motorized cutter spinning at high speed, resulting in high levels of HAV among its operators. The existing D-shape handle causes HAV-related stress and operational load in operators. This research proposes a new design of a handle of the grass trimming machine. When this new design was compared with the old one, it was found that the new handle resulted in 18% lower HAV. To find the lowest HAV, 3 critical parameters of the new handle (length, angle and material of the cap of the handle) were optimized using the Taguchi quality tool. Appropriately selected parameters of the new handle significantly reduced the occurrence of HAV among grass trimmers.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

grass trimming machine; hand-arm vibration; design parameters; optimization; D-shape handle

• Wydawca: Taylor & Francis
• Czasopismo: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
• Rocznik: 2008
• Tom: Vol. 14, No. 3
• Strony: 343–--349
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 30 poz., rys., tab., wykr.

Twórcy

autor

Mallick Z.

• School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Malaysia

Bibliografia

• 1.Pyykko I, Farkkila M, Toivanen J, Korhonen O, Hyvarinen J. Transmission of vibration in the hand-arm-system with special reference to change in compression force and characteristics. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1976;2:87–95.
• 2.Hartung E, Dupuis H, Scheffer M. Effects of grip and push forces on the acute response of the hand-arm system under vibration conditions. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1993;64:463–7.
• 3.Reidel S. Consideration of grip and push forces for the assessment of vibration exposure. Cent Eur J Public Health. 1995;3:139–41.
• 4.International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Mechanical vibration and shock-free, mechanical impedance of the human hand-arm system at the driving point (Standard No. ISO 10068:1988). Geneva, Switzerland: ISO; 1988.
• 5.The control of vibration at work regulations 2005. Retrieved August 24, 2005, from: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/ 20051093.htm.
• 6.Tudor AW. Hand-arm vibration: product design principles. J Safety Res. 1996;27: 157–62.
• 7.Marcotte P, Aldien Y, Boileau P-E, Rakheja S, Boutin J. Effects of handle size and hand-handle contact force on the biodynamic response of the hand-arm system under zh-axis vibration. JSV. 2005;283:1071–91.
• 8.Giacomin J, Shayaa MS, Dormegnie E, Richard L. Frequency weighting for the evaluation of steering wheel rotational vibration. Int J Ind Ergon. 2004;33(6):527–41.
• 9.Chang CH, Wang MJ, Lin CS. Evaluating the effects of wearing gloves and wrist support on hand-arm response while operating an in-line pneumatic screw driver. Int J Ind Ergon. 1999;24(5):473–81.
• 10.Brain W, Wright A, Wilkinson M. Spontaneous compression of both median nerves in the carpal tunnel. Lancet. 1947; 1:277–82.
• 11.Tanzer R. The carpal tunnel syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg. 1959;41A:626–34.
• 12.Armstrong TJ, Chaffin DB. Carpal tunnel syndrome and selected personal attributes, J Occup Med. 1979;21:481–6.
• 13.Tichauer ER. Some aspects of stress on forearm and hand in industry. J Occup Med. 1966;8:63–71.
• 14.Bhattacharya A, McGlothlin JD, editors. Occupational ergonomics—theory and applications. New York, NY, USA: Dekker; 1996.
• 15.Armstrong TJ, Bir C, Foulke J, Martin B, Finsen L, Sjøgaard G. Muscle responses to simulated torque reactions of hand-held power tools. Ergonomics. 1999;42:146–59.
• 16.Radwin RG, VanBergeijk E, Armstrong TJ. Muscle response to pneumatic hand tool torque reaction forces. Ergonomics. 1989; 32:655–73.
• 17.Oh SA, Radwin RG. The influence of target torque and build-up time on physical stress in right angle nut-runner operation. Ergonomics. 1998;41:188–206.
• 18.Kattel BP, Fredericks TK, Frenandez JE, Lee DC. The effect of upper extremity posture on maximum grip strength. Int J Ind Ergon. 1996;18:423–9.
• 19.Marley RJ, DeBree TS, Wehrman R. Grip strength as a function of forearm and elbow posture on maximum grip strength. In: Proceedings of the Second Industrial Engineering Research Conference. Norcross, GA, USA: Institute of Industrial Engineers; 1993. p. 525–9.
• 20.Kuzala EA, Vargo MC. The relationship between elbow position and grip strength. Am J Occup Ther. 1992;46:509–12.
• 21.Putz-Anderson V, editor. Cumulative trauma disorders: a manual for musculoskeletal diseases of upper limbs. London, UK: Taylor & Francis, 1988.
• 22.Cobb TK, Cooney WN, An KN. Aetiology of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: the role of lumbrical muscles and tool size on carpal tunnel pressures. Ergonomics. 1996;39(1):103–7.
• 23.Killough MK, Crumption LL. An investigation of cumulative trauma disorders in the construction industry. Int J Ind Ergon. 1996;18:399–405.
• 24.Muggleton JM, Allen R, Chappell PH. Hand and arm injuries associated with repetitive manual work in industry: a review of disorders, risk factors and preventive measures. Ergonomics. 1999;42(5):714–39.
• 25.Lee YH, Jiang MS. An ergonomic design and performance evaluation of pipettes. Appl Ergon. 1999;30:487–93.
• 26.Terrell R, Purswell JL. The influence of forearm and wrist orientation on static grip strength as a design criterion for hand tools. In: Proceeding of the 6th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association. College Park, MD, USA: Human Factors Society; 1976. p. 28–32.
• 27.Radwin RG, Armstrong TJ, Chaffin DB. Power hand tool vibration effects on grip exertion. Ergonomics. 1987;30(5):833–55.
• 28.Burstrom L, Lundstrom R. Absorption of vibration energy in the human hand and arm, Ergonomics. 1994;37:879–90.
• 29.Burstrom L. The influence of biodynamic factors on the absorption of vibration energy in the human hand and arm. Nagoya J Med Sci. 1994;57:159–67.
• 30.Aldien Y, Marcotte P, Rakheja S, Boileau P-E. Influence of hand-arm posture on biodynamics response of the human hand-arm exposed to zh-axis vibration. Int J Ind Ergon. 2006;36:45–59.