Effects of operation type and handle shape of the driver controllers of high-speed train on the drivers' comfort

Abstract The design of a high-speed train controller affects the driver's health, operating performance and even safety. Understanding the effects of the design factors on the physical ergonomics of a high-speed train driver controller is essential for optimizing performance and safety. This study experimentally investigated the role of the operation type and handle shape on the physical ergonomics of a driver controller for a high speed train. Two controllers and six handles with pyriform shape, T-shape, sphere shape, cylinder shape and conical frustum shape were used in the experiment. The results indicated that a controller of the sagittal rotation operation type could significantly reduce the workload of the upper limbs compared to a horizontal rotation operation type controller. The handle shape had significant effect on the wrist angles, hand pressures and subjective assessment scores of upper limb fatigue, wrist discomfort and palm discomfort. The handle shape influenced the wrist angles and hand pressures depending on how the participants held the handle. The results demonstrated that the preferred operation type was rotation in the parasagittal plane and that the handle shape should be convenient for operating with a downward-facing palm posture. Among the tested shapes, the pyriform shape and T-shape were considered to be preferable.

[1]  D. E. Welcome,et al.  An investigation on the relationship between grip, push and contact forces applied to a tool handle , 2004 .

[2]  James Agostinucci,et al.  Ergonomic comparison between a ‘right angle’ handle style and standard style paint brush: An electromyographic analysis , 2016 .

[3]  Poh Kiat Ng,et al.  A review of shape and size considerations in pinch grips , 2014 .

[4]  A M Williamson,et al.  Assessment, re-design and evaluation of changes to the driver's cab in a suburban electric train. , 2000, Applied ergonomics.

[5]  Pierre Marcotte,et al.  Effect of handle size and hand–handle contact force on the biodynamic response of the hand–arm system under zh-axis vibration , 2005 .

[6]  Olivier Lambercy,et al.  Effect of handle design on movement dynamics and muscle co-activation in a wrist flexion task , 2016 .

[7]  T J Armstrong,et al.  Effect of elliptic handle shape on grasping strategies, grip force distribution, and twisting ability , 2011, Ergonomics.

[8]  C Fransson-Hall,et al.  Sensitivity of the hand to surface pressure. , 1993, Applied ergonomics.

[9]  D. R. Salgado,et al.  Optimisation of a laparoscopic tool handle dimension based on ergonomic analysis , 2015 .

[10]  Timothy J. Gallwey,et al.  Effect of Wrist Posture on Discomfort for Simple Repetitive Exertions , 2000 .

[11]  Michael Patkin.  A Check-List for Handle Design , 2001 .

[12]  Mahmut Eksioglu,et al.  Relative optimum grip span as a function of hand anthropometry , 2004 .

[13]  Abid Ali Khan,et al.  Effect of coating over the handle of a drill machine on vibration transmissibility. , 2014, Applied ergonomics.

[14]  R. Westgaard,et al.  Postural angles as an indicator of postural load and muscular injury in occupational work situations. , 1988, Ergonomics.

[15]  Donald S. Bloswick,et al.  The effect of ergonomic laparoscopic tool handle design on performance and efficiency , 2015, Surgical Endoscopy.

[16]  M Susan Hallbeck,et al.  Ergonomics and comfort in lawn mower handle positioning: An evaluation of handle geometry. , 2015, Applied ergonomics.

[17]  D. Meijer,et al.  New ergonomic design criteria for handles of laparoscopic dissection forceps. , 2001, Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A.

[18]  Iman Dianat,et al.  The effects of tool handle shape on hand performance, usability and discomfort using masons' trowels , 2015 .

[19]  Mahmut Eksioglu,et al.  Optimal work–rest cycles for an isometric intermittent gripping task as a function of force, posture and grip span , 2006, Ergonomics.

[20]  D. Rempel,et al.  Effect of wrist posture on carpal tunnel pressure while typing , 2008, Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society.

[21]  Mahmut Ekşioğlu,et al.  Steering-wheel grip force characteristics of drivers as a function of gender, speed, and road condition , 2008 .

[22]  W S Marras,et al.  Effects of Handle Angle and Work Orientation on Hammering: II. Muscle Fatigue and Subjective Ratings of Body Discomfort , 1989, Human factors.

[23]  Mao-Jiun J. Wang,et al.  The Effect of Handle Angle on MAWL, Wrist Posture, RPE, and Heart Rate , 2000, Hum. Factors.

[24]  John R. Myers,et al.  Hand tool injuries at work: A surveillance perspective , 1988 .

[25]  Kai Way Li,et al.  Perception of Hand Force in Power Grip for Females , 2013 .

[26]  P Vink,et al.  Identifying predictors of comfort and discomfort in using hand tools , 2005, Ergonomics.

[27]  Subhash Rakheja,et al.  Measurement of coupling forces at the power tool handle-hand interface , 2015 .

[28]  J Rickards,et al.  Effect of joystick stiffness, movement speed and movement direction on joystick and upper limb kinematics when using hydraulic-actuation joystick controls in heavy vehicles , 2007, Ergonomics.

[29]  Thomas W. McDowell,et al.  Effects of handle size and shape on measured grip strength , 2012 .

[30]  Mahmut Ekşioğlu,et al.  Endurance time of grip-force as a function of grip-span, posture and anthropometric variables , 2011 .

[31]  Kentaro Kotani,et al.  Using Force Sensitive Resistors to Evaluate Hand Tool Grip Design , 1992 .

[32]  T Murphy,et al.  Evaluation of a dynamic armrest for hydraulic-actuation controller use. , 2011, Applied ergonomics.

[33]  Göran M Hägg,et al.  Adapting the force characteristics of a staple gun to the human hand. , 2015, Applied ergonomics.

[34]  Anil Mital,et al.  Carpal tunnel syndrome , 1990 .

[35]  P Vink,et al.  Identifying factors of comfort in using hand tools. , 2004, Applied ergonomics.

[36]  W S Marras,et al.  Effects of Handle Angle and Work Orientation on Hammering: I. Wrist Motion and Hammering Performance , 1989, Human factors.

[37]  Hui Dong,et al.  The effect of tool handle shape on hand muscle load and pinch force in a simulated dental scaling task. , 2007, Applied ergonomics.