Cordless Screwdriver Research Articles

Unusual Motor Hand Neuropathies: Causes, Diagnosis, and Evaluation of Motor Impairments.

Background Isolated hand motor nerve injuries, specifically those affecting the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve and the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve, are rarely reported in medical literature. Diagnosing and quantifying these injuries pose significant challenges due to their uncommon nature and the variety of mechanisms that can cause them. Methodology This study reviews six unusual cases of isolated damage to the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve and the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve, including cases with combined injuries. The etiologies include various traumatic and compressive mechanisms, such as a blow from the thenar to the back of a knife blade, long-distance cycling, impact from a broken shovel handle, knife injury, and damage from a screw while using a cordless screwdriver. In one case, the cause was indeterminate. Diagnostic methods involved clinical evaluation, electrophysiological testing (nerve conduction studies and electromyography), and high-resolution ultrasound imaging. A thorough medical history was also crucial in understanding the injury mechanisms. Results The cases demonstrated a range of causes for isolated hand motor nerve injuries, with both traumatic and compressive mechanisms identified. The diagnostic process highlighted the value of integrating clinical assessments, electrophysiological data, and ultrasound imaging to accurately diagnose and understand the extent and nature of the injuries. Conclusions Isolated motor nerve injuries in the hand can arise from diverse and often unexpected causes. Comprehensive clinical evaluation, supported by electrophysiological testing and ultrasound imaging, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. A detailed medical history is invaluable in identifying the mechanism of injury, which is critical for developing an appropriate treatment plan. The study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and treating these rare neuropathies.

Make some Noise: Acoustic Classification of Manual Work Steps Towards Adaptive Assistance Systems

With 32 million people working in the European manufacturing sector, human work still plays a crucial role in industry. However, due to lot size one manufacturing and increased quality requirements, the complexity of products and processes is growing. Therefore, numerous approaches introduce adaptive assistance systems in assembly to support workers during complex work tasks and adapt their level of assistance to the current situation. To enable adaptivity, human action recognition must be incorporated into the consideration of context. Until now, research has focused on providing context to the machine through wearable sensors or cameras. However, wearable sensors hinder worker’s movements and cameras have difficulties distinguishing between work steps of high visual similarity. To mitigate these challenges, we present a new method to classify manual work steps only by their typical acoustic characteristics. The proposed method uses log-Mel spectrograms of work sounds fed into a convolutional neural network (CNN), thus learning their characteristic structure. Moreover, we present a new public dataset for the acoustic classification of manual work steps. The dataset includes typical sources of sounds in manufacturing, such as working with a bench grinder, cordless screwdriver, fling, or grabbing screws. Before feeding the data to the CNN, we apply various pre-processing and data augmentation techniques to increase generalisation capabilities. Our method can detect work steps with reliable accuracy while requiring less parameters than other techniques, proving that detecting work context through acoustics is possible and feasible.

ApOL-Application Oriented Workload Model for Digital Human Models for the Development of Human-Machine Systems

Since musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common work-related diseases for assemblers and machine operators, it is crucial to find new ways to alleviate the physical load on workers. Support systems such as exoskeletons or handheld power tools are promising technology to reduce the physical load on the humans. The development of such systems requires consideration of the interactions between human and technical systems. The physical relief effect of the exoskeleton can be demonstrated in experimental studies or by simulation with the digital human model (DHM). For the digital development of these support systems, an application-oriented representation of the workload is necessary. To facilitate digital development, an application-oriented workload model (ApOL model) of an overhead working task is presented. The ApOL model determines the load (forces, torques) onto the DHM during an overhead screw-in task using a cordless screwdriver, based on experimental data. The ApOL model is verified by comparing the simulated results to the calculated values from a mathematical model, using experimental data from three participants. The comparison demonstrates successful verification, with a maximum relative mean-absolute-error (rMAE) of the relevant load components at 11.4%. The presented ApOL model can be utilized to assess the impact of cordless screwdriver design on the human workload and facilitate a strain-based design approach for support systems e.g., exoskeletons.

Influence of the Assembly Method of Medium Voltage Mechanical Connectors on the Quality of the Electrical Connection

Power cables are connected with ferrules or lugs in the area of high, medium and low voltage. Nowadays, there are two main installing techniques, which are state of the art: compression or crimping and bolted mechanical connections. The bolted mechanical connectors are installed by hand with the use of a mechanical wrench. The customer demand of using impact wrenches (IW) is growing because of the higher installation comfort. However, these techniques differ from each other significantly as the quality of the connection depends on the screwing force applied by the bolt to the conductor. Therefore, a new approach by using a cordless screwdriver was investigated. This contribution addresses the topic of the quality of the electrical connection as a function of the assembly method used on mechanical connectors. In particular, the focus is on assembly by hand with the support of mechanical wrenches and assembly with impact wrenches. Furthermore, a method is presented that combines the advantages of both methods, whereby the disadvantages are eliminated. This involves the use of an adapter, the torque amplifier, which is part of the installation philosophy of Nexans Power Accessories. First, the fundamentals as well as the current state of the art of connection technology are presented. This is followed by a description of the assembly methods and materials used in this work and a comparison of the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties according to IEC 61238 of the connection using the different assembly techniques. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages are compared and presented and discussed using tabular and graphical representations.

Recognizing Product Application based on Integrated Consumer Grade Sensors: A Case Study with Handheld Power Tools

As more and more consumer grade sensors are integrated into products such as handheld power tools, data acquisition is becoming more affordable. The product development process benefits greatly from the knowledge of the incidence and the relevance of applications performed by a user. Using the collected sensor data remains a challenge due to the noise caused by the consumer grade sensors and the complexity of the applications. In this study, the use of machine learning on time series to identify which predefined applications a user performed with a power tool, using an angle grinder and a cordless screwdriver as example, is explored. An acceleration sensor, a rotation rate sensor, a geomagnetic sensor and a current sensor were used for data acquisition. We tested two sampling rates and two approaches of feature extraction: An effectively off-the-shelf method of feature extraction and an expert-tuned extraction of the features. The study shows that both methods achieve very good results within existing data sets (>95% accuracy). When applied to new experiments, overfitting occurs due to the complexity of the application and the noise of the consumer-grade sensors. Thus, this study shows first promising results and further potentials for the future application of machine learning for the recognition of applications in products such as handheld power tools.

Objective Evaluation of Usability Aspects for the Development of Handle Geometries

During the evaluation of usability aspects of products, disruptive factors influence the results significantly. This contribution verifies approaches for reducing disruptive factors during product evaluation. A generic cordless screwdriver was developed which enables the possibility to evaluate different handle shapes without brand influence. 37 subjects evaluated the perceived suitability for usage. The subjects were trained in the professional usage and were provided with the relevant evaluation aspects. Results verified that the influence of disruptive factors on comfort evaluations can be reduced. Furthermore, the new disruptive factors modelling of the test object and time of evaluation were identified.

Interactive Planning of Manual Assembly Operations: From Language to Motion

This paper describes part of a novel view of planning the assembly of cars at the shop floor, which is currently being explored in the EU-funded project INTERACT, in which 3D worker simulations are automatically generated from textual descriptions. Under this view, all planning is carried out virtually, thereby interactively exploiting the workers’ knowledge.We suggest solutions to the subtask of mapping textual descriptions onto motion sequences. Consider a description like “Tighten arm support with cordless screw driver on center console”. This text belongs to a controlled natural language that is – different from unconstrained language – amenable to unambiguous linguistic analysis. The result is then broken down into a sequence of elementary actions, such as WALK, PICK, or PLACE, carried out by a digital human model (DHM) using and manipulating objects in the 3D scene. The representation level of elementary actions is designed to provide all information needed for subsequent motion synthesis. For proper 3D visualization, each action requires dynamic or static parameters such as the grasp points at the objects, and positions of the DHM and the objects.A semantic interpretation of the linguistic results must account for all variations to be expected in the scene. For instance, if the DHM is not “near” the object of interest, it must WALK. Evaluating this kind of condition-action rules against constraints imposed by the scene for a given textual description leads to a sequence of elementary actions that is then processed further and visualized. When viewing the simulation, the human planner can affect some aspects of processing, such as the order of elementary actions, by causing manipulations to the rules.

The Role of Practice on Lacrosse Helmet Facemask Removal Time

Facemask removal (FMR) is crucial for immediate treatment of helmeted athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of practice on the time required for lacrosse helmet FMR. Participants removed the facemasks of two helmet models (Cascade CPXR and Warrior Trojan) four times over four weeks with either a cordless screwdriver or pruner. We found a significant interaction for removal tool and time (p < .001). Participants became faster at FMR across the 4 weeks of data collection. We recommend three consecutive weeks of practice to improve FMR speed, though depending on FMR tool, an individual could benefit from additional sessions.

Lacrosse Helmet Facemask Removal Timeliness and Preference Rating Using a Cordless Screw Driver, FMX, and Two-tool Approach

Lacrosse Helmet Facemask Removal Timeliness and Preference Rating Using a Cordless Screw Driver, FMX, and Two-tool Approach

Failure of a Cordless Screwdriver to Remove Lacrosse Helmet Facemasks

Failure of a Cordless Screwdriver to Remove Lacrosse Helmet Facemasks

Lacrosse Helmet Facemask Removal

Facemask removal (FMR) is required to access the airway of a catastrophically injured football or ice hockey athlete. However, the best method of caring for the helmeted lacrosse athlete with suspected catastrophic injury remains unclear. To evaluate the effects of sex and grip strength on the speed and ease of use of various FMR methods across different lacrosse helmet types. Cross-sectional study. Setting : Athletic training laboratory. Fourteen athletic trainers (7 men, 7 women). Removal method (cordless screwdriver [CSD], Face Mask Extractor 2 [FMX], pruner, Trainer's Angel [TA]), helmet type (Cascade CPX, Cascade Pro7, Riddell Revolution, Brine Triumph, Warrior Venom), and sex. Facemask removal time and participant-reported ease of use of the removal method (6-point Likert scale). We found a 2-way interaction for removal method and sex only for the ease-of-use scores (F3,246 = 4.67, P = .01). A main effect for removal method for time (F3,200 = 19.41, P < .001) and ease of use (F3,200 = 53.78, P < .001) was seen. The fastest times (32.32 ± 11.70 seconds) and highest ease-of-use scores (4.94 ± 0.30) were recorded for the CSD. We noted a main effect for helmet type only for time (F4,200 = 5.34, P < .001), with the fastest removal times (72.75 ± 74.67 seconds) recorded for the CPX. We discovered a main effect for sex only for time (F1,200 = 17.57, P < .001), with slower times recorded for women (115.51 ± 110.80 seconds) than men (75.71 ± 83.87 seconds). We found correlations between FMR time and grip strength only when using the FMX (r = -0.40, P = .001), pruner (r = -0.26, P = .04), and TA (r = -0.26, P = .047). Based on our results, FMR of lacrosse helmets should be attempted with a CSD. We recommend carrying a pruner as a backup cutting tool in case the CSD fails, practicing FMR regularly, and inspecting helmets for faulty hardware to reduce the chance of CSD failure.

Emergency Face-Mask Removal Effectiveness: A Comparison of Traditional and Nontraditional Football Helmet Face-Mask Attachment Systems

Football helmet face-mask attachment design changes might affect the effectiveness of face-mask removal. To compare the efficiency of face-mask removal between newly designed and traditional football helmets. Controlled laboratory study. Applied biomechanics laboratory. Twenty-five certified athletic trainers. The independent variable was face-mask attachment system on 5 levels: (1) Revolution IQ with Quick Release (QR), (2) Revolution IQ with Quick Release hardware altered (QRAlt), (3) traditional (Trad), (4) traditional with hardware altered (TradAlt), and (5) ION 4D (ION). Participants removed face masks using a cordless screwdriver with a back-up cutting tool or only the cutting tool for the ION. Investigators altered face-mask hardware to unexpectedly challenge participants during removal for traditional and Revolution IQ helmets. Participants completed each condition twice in random order and were blinded to hardware alteration. Removal success, removal time, helmet motion, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Time and 3-dimensional helmet motion were recorded. If the face mask remained attached at 3 minutes, the trial was categorized as unsuccessful. Participants rated each trial for level of difficulty (RPE). We used repeated-measures analyses of variance (α = .05) with follow-up comparisons to test for differences. Removal success was 100% (48 of 48) for QR, Trad, and ION; 97.9% (47 of 48) for TradAlt; and 72.9% (35 of 48) for QRAlt. Differences in time for face-mask removal were detected (F(4,20) = 48.87, P = .001), with times ranging from 33.96 ± 14.14 seconds for QR to 99.22 ± 20.53 seconds for QRAlt. Differences were found in range of motion during face-mask removal (F(4,20) = 16.25, P = .001), with range of motion from 10.10° ± 3.07° for QR to 16.91° ± 5.36° for TradAlt. Differences also were detected in RPE during face-mask removal (F(4,20) = 43.20, P = .001), with participants reporting average perceived difficulty ranging from 1.44 ± 1.19 for QR to 3.68 ± 1.70 for TradAlt. The QR and Trad trials resulted in superior results. When trials required cutting loop straps, results deteriorated.

Comparison of 3 Airway Access Techniques During Suspected Spine Injury Management in American Football.

To determine how head movement and time to access airway were affected by 3 emergency airway access techniques used in American football. Prospective counterbalanced design. University research laboratory. Eighteen certified athletic trainers (ATCs) and 18 noncertified students (NCSs). Each participant performed 1 trial of each of the 3 after airway access techniques: quick release mechanism (QRM), cordless screwdriver (CSD), and pocket mask insertion (PMI). Time to task completion in seconds, head movement in each plane (sagittal, frontal, and transverse), maximum head movement in each plane, helmet movement in each plane, and maximum helmet movement in each plane. We observed a significant difference between all 3 techniques with respect to time required to achieve airway access (F2,68 = 263.88; P < 0.001). The PMI allowed for the quickest access followed by the QRM and CSD techniques, respectively. The PMI technique also resulted in significantly less head movement (F2,68 = 9.06; P = 0.001) and less maximum head movement (F2,68 = 13.84; P < 0.001) in the frontal plane compared with the QRM and CSD techniques. The PMI technique should be used to gain rapid airway access when managing a football athlete experiencing respiratory arrest in the presence of a suspected cervical spine injury. In the event the athlete does not present with respiratory arrest, the facemask may be removed carefully with a pocket mask ready. Medical professionals must be familiar with differences in equipment and the effects these may have on the management of the spine-injured athlete.

The Combined Tool Approach for Face Mask Removal During On-field Conditions

An effective approach to emergency removal of the face mask (FM) from a football helmet should include successful removal of the FM and limitation of both the time required and the movement created during the process. Current recommendations and practice are to use a cutting tool to remove the FM. Researchers recently have suggested an alternate approach that combines the use of a cordless screwdriver and a cutting tool. This combined tool approach has not been studied, and FM removal has not been studied in a practical setting. To investigate the effectiveness and speed of using a combined tool approach to remove the FMs from football helmets during on-field conditions throughout the course of a football season. Randomized multigroup design. Practice field of 1 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II football college. Eighty-four members of 1 football team. We used a battery-operated screwdriver for FM removal and resorted to using a cutting tool as needed. We tracked FM removal success and failure and trial time and compared results based on helmet characteristics, weather variables, and the seasonal timing of the removal trial. Of the 84 players, 76 were available for data-collection trials. Overall, 98.6% (75/76) of FM removal trials were successful and resulted in a mean removal time of 40.09 +/- 15.1 seconds. We found no differences in FM removal time throughout the course of the season. No differences in effectiveness or trial time were found among helmet characteristics, weather variables, or the timing of the trial. Combining the cordless screwdriver and cutting tool provided a fast and reliable means of on-field FM removal in this Division II setting. Despite the excellent overall result, 1 FM was not removed in a timely manner. Therefore, we recommend that athletic trainers practice helmet removal to be prepared should FM removal fail.

Combined Tool Approach is 100% Successful for Emergency Football Face Mask Removal

To compare effectiveness of two techniques for removing football face masks: cutting loop straps [cutting tool: FMXtractor (FMX)] or removing screws with a cordless screwdriver and using the FMXtractor as needed for failed removals [combined tool (CT)]. Null hypotheses: no differences in face mask removal success, removal time or difficulty between techniques or helmet characteristics. Retrospective, cross-sectional. NOCSAE-certified helmet reconditioning plants. 600 used high school helmets. Face mask removal attempted with two techniques. Success, removal time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Both techniques were effective [CT 100% (300/300); FMX 99.4% (298/300)]. Use of the backup FMXtractor in CT trials was required in 19% of trials. There was significantly (P<0.001) less call for the backup tool in helmets with silver screws (6%) than in helmets with other screws (31%). Mean removal time was 44.51+/-18.79s (CT: 37.84+/-15.37s, FMX: 51.21+/-19.54s; P<0.001). RPE was different between techniques (CT: 1.83+/-1.20, FMX: 3.11+/-1.27; P<0.001). Removal from helmets with silver screws was faster (Silver=33.38+/-11.03, Others=42.18+/-17.64; P<0.001) and easier (Silver=1.42+/-0.89, Other=2.23+/-1.33; P<0.001). CT was faster and easier than FMX. Most CT trials were completed with the screwdriver alone; helmets with silver screws had 94% screwdriver success. Clinically, these findings are important because this and other research shows that compared to removal with cutting tools, screwdriver removal decreases time, difficulty and helmet movement (reducing potential for iatrogenic injury). The combined-tool approach captures benefits of the screwdriver while offering a contingency for screw removal failure. Teams should use degradation-resistant screws. Sports medicine professionals must be prepared with appropriate tools and techniques to efficiently remove the face mask from an injured football player's helmet.

Football Face-Mask Removal With a Cordless Screwdriver on Helmets Used for at Least One Season of Play

Football Face-Mask Removal With a Cordless Screwdriver on Helmets Used for at Least One Season of Play

Football Equipment Design Affects Face Mask Removal Efficiency

Background Researchers have investigated the performance of face mask removal tools for spine injury management in football but not the effects of football equipment design. Hypotheses Various styles or designs of football helmet equipment (helmets, face masks, loop straps) affect face mask removal efficiency. A cordless screwdriver performs more efficiently than do cutting tools. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Nineteen certified athletic trainers were randomly assigned to group 1 (cordless screwdriver and the FM Extractor) or group 2 (cordless screwdriver and the Trainer's Angel). Subjects randomly performed face mask removal for 6 conditions composed of helmet (3), face mask (3), and loop strap (5) combinations. Time, head movement, perceived difficulty, and success rates were measured. Results Multiple significant differences were found in time, movement, and perceived difficulty between the 6 helmet equipment conditions. The Shockblocker loop strap was consistently superior in all variables regardless of the tool used or the helmet it was attached to. The cordless screwdriver created less movement (mean range from any one plane, 2.8°-13.3°), was faster (mean range, 42.1-68.8 seconds), and was less difficult (mean rating of perceived exertion range, 1.4-2.9) compared to cutting tools (ranges, 4.4°-18.4° in any one plane, 71-174 seconds, rating of perceived exertion, 2.8-7.7). Trial failure was more common with cutting tools than with the screwdriver. Conclusion Differences in football helmet equipment affect face mask removal. The cordless screwdriver is more efficient than the FM Extractor and Trainer's Angel. Clinical Relevance Professionals responsible for the care of football athletes must be knowledgeable in the types of equipment used and the best option available for effective airway access.

An Approach for Product Line Design Selection Under Uncertainty and Competition

An approach in product line design is presented in which a line of products is selected while accounting for their market potential. In this approach, the product line design selection is viewed as a selection problem with two main stages: design alternative generation and product line design evaluation and selection. The focus of this paper is on the product line design evaluation and selection stage. Issues considered include a large variety of customers’ preferences, market competitions, multiple business goals, uncertainties in several factors that are used for evaluating the design alternatives, and commonality among the alternatives in a product line. Because of the combinatorial nature of the problem, a genetic algorithm is used in the evaluation stage. Product line design selection of a cordless screwdriver is used as a demonstration example. The emphasis in the example is more on the approach and not in the details of the example per se.

Technical Note: The use of mirrors during an assembly task: a study of ergonomics and productivity

Industrial assembly tasks often require awkward, sustained neck and/or shoulder postures that can lead to increased musculoskeletal discomfort and reduced productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mirror and periscope visual aids as ergonomic interventions designed to eliminate awkward postures of the cervicobrachial region during assembly tasks. Participants simulated a simple assembly task by using a cordless screwdriver to drive screws into a pre-tapped aluminium block. Trials of 15 min were run for each of four distinct assembly workstation configurations: industry standard (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, no visual aid); pistol grip (pistol grip screwdriver, work at shoulder height, no visual aid); mirror (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, single mirror visual aid); and periscope (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, two-mirror visual aid system). Muscular activity, discomfort, body posture, productivity and operator subjective assessment were recorded to determine the effects of the visual aid interventions. The results show that when comparing the interventions to the industry standard condition, there was a 45% reduction in average cervical erector spinae activity, a 90% reduction in average neck flexion angle and a 72% reduction in neck discomfort with the interventions. When comparing these interventions to the pistol grip condition there was an 80% reduction in activity of the dominant side deltoid, a 92% reduction in shoulder flexion angle and an 81% decrease in shoulder discomfort with the interventions. Productivity was greatest in the industry standard configuration followed by the pistol grip (9% lower), the periscope (13% lower) and the mirror (23% lower) configurations. A follow-up study that compared the productivity of the periscope configuration with that of the industry standard configuration showed that within a 4-h work period this productivity differential decreased by over 33%.

The Use of Mirrors during an Assembly Task: A Study of Ergonomics and Productivity

Assembly jobs often require sustained, awkward neck and/or shoulder postures. It has been shown in previous studies that these postures increase musculoskeletal discomfort and can impact long-term productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ergonomic interventions designed to eliminate these awkward postures. Subjects used a cordless screwdriver to drive screws into a pre-tapped aluminum block, simulating a simple assembly task. Four distinct assembly postures were tested: standard industry (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, no visual aid), pistol grip (pistol grip screwdriver, work at shoulder height, no visual aid), mirror (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, single mirror visual aid) and periscope (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, two mirror visual aids). Each was performed for fifteen minutes. Muscular activity, discomfort, postural deviation from neutral, productivity, and operator subjective assessment were recorded to determine the effects of the interventions. Both interventions (mirror and periscope) resulted in lower muscle activity, smaller postural deviations from neutral and lower subjective discomfort levels. Productivity, however, was highest in the standard industry posture followed by the pistol grip (9% lower), the periscope (13% lower) and the mirror posture (23% lower).