An Ergonomic Customized-Tool Handle Design for Precision Tools using Additive Manufacturing: A Case Study

Alfonso González,David Salgado,Alonso Sánchez Ríos,Lorenzo García Moruno

doi:10.3390/app8071200

Alfonso González, David Salgado + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app8071200

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Abstract

A study was carried out with 135 surgeons to obtain a surgical laparoscopic grasper handle design that adapts to the size of each surgeon’s hand, in a functionally appropriate way, and has the sufficient ergonomics to avoid generating the problems detected nowadays. The main conclusion of the work is the practical 3D parametric design obtained for a laparoscopic surgical graspers handle that is scalable to fit each particular surgeon's hand size. In addition, it has been possible to determine that the anthropometric measure of the surgeon's hand defined as Palm Length Measured (PLM) allows the design of the 3D parametric model of the surgical handle to be conveniently scaled. The results show that both additive manufacturing and the application of ergonomics criterion provide an efficient method for the custom design and manufacture of this type of specialised tool, with potential application in other sectors.

Highlights

Universal object designs try to fit all users using the criterion known as “design for all” [1].This criterion is included in the “Universal Design” guide, which in turn lists the “7 principles of universal design” [2]
It was found that a single anthropometric factor—the “Palm Length Measured”—can
“Palm Length Measured”—can it found that aany single anthropometric factor—the

Summary

Introduction

Universal object designs try to fit all users using the criterion known as “design for all” [1] This criterion is included in the “Universal Design” guide, which in turn lists the “7 principles of universal design” [2]. Mace et al [2] was further developed by Story et al [3], in order to make the use of products designed for the greatest number of people, accessible [4]. To comply with this principle, hand tools in particular should satisfy a number of guidelines in their design. These include overcoming such obstacles as age, sex, dexterity, motor skills, etc., and whether the user is right- or left-handed, so that the handles can be adapted to different hand sizes and shapes

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