Torque Production Using Hand Cranks in a Simulated Gear-Operated Valve Opening Task

Hand cranks are used in a variety of industries to actuate valves and in other gear-operated applications. In order to evaluate these types of operations and their compatibility with operator strength capabilities, a rotational dynamometer was used to measure torque production capability of operators using a hand crank at different heights and angles (with respect to the coronal plane). The tests were conducted for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations using the dominant arm of each test participant. A total of 18 tests were completed by each of five male right-handed test participants. A 0° declination angle, counterclockwise operation, and both 40.65 cm and 60.96 cm heights were found to be associated with the greatest torque production capabilities.