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Grip forces of the fingertips
Jouni Freund1, Risto Toivonen, Esa-Pekka Takala
1Department of Physiology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki, Finland. jouni.freund@occuphealth.fi
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|September 11, 2002
Summary
A new model estimates fingertip forces during a power grip on cylindrical handles. Force distribution is independent of grip force and handle diameter, aiding ergonomic handle design.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Existing literature on grip forces provides data for biomechanical models.
- A compact model can represent experimental outcomes with minimal information loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a predictive model for forces in a power grip on cylindrical handles.
- To analyze force distribution based on grip force, handle diameter, and hand size.
Main Methods:
- Literature data was used to parameterize the biomechanical model.
- An experiment measured fingertip forces in 10 subjects across various handle diameters and grip force levels.
- Force distribution independence from force level was experimentally verified.
Main Results:
- The developed model estimates fingertip forces.
- Force sharing among fingertips was found to be independent of grip force levels.
- Force sharing was also independent of the handle's diameter.
Conclusions:
- Understanding power grip force distribution is crucial for effective handle design.
- Optimizing handle shape, with local diameters proportional to finger lengths, is advantageous.
- Concise experimental data is essential for refining biomechanical models.