Poh Kiat Ng

A review of shape and size considerations in pinch grips

In handgrip-related studies, it has been theorised that modifying the design of object shapes and sizes to accommodate the hand can reduce risks of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). However, there appears to be a lack of theoretical groundwork to support this premise in the area of pinch grip research. Therefore, this article aims to provide a review of shape and size considerations in pinch grips. The literature reviews were first conducted individually on shape, size and pinch grip factors, followed by the development of a literature summary based on the theoretical connections among shape, size and pinch grips. Though further studies are still required, this review has provided fundamental knowledge on possible theoretical connections among shape, size and pinch grip factors. These preliminary efforts shed light on potential mechanisms that explain how shape and size can influence pinch grips towards preventing CTDs and maximising the human performance.

Synthesising the roles of torque and sensation in pinch force: a framework

Although studies show that torque and sensation are important factors to consider in grip force, there appears to be few frameworks that focus on their roles in pinch force. This study proposes a framework that potentially explains the roles of torque and sensation in pinch force. A review was done on these factors followed by a literature synthesis which categorised them into sub-factors. The sub-factors were combined to output a framework that explains the mechanisms of their interactions. This framework enriches the knowledge on pinch force levels for reduced injury risks by identifying preliminary factors that may influence pinch force. It can potentially be used to improve the effectiveness of manufacturing tasks. Although further research on it is required, it still provides researchers with more factors to consider for studies on occupational risks and injuries. With this framework, researchers can potentially improve predictions on functional outcomes in precision manufacturing tasks.

A review of different pinch techniques

Individuals often pinch with preferred pinch techniques based on their experience and familiarity. However, researchers believe that pinch force exertions are not comparable across different pinch techniques. Hence, it is possible to pinch objects with incompatible pinch techniques during manual handling. This increases risks of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The preceding problem substantiates the need for a comprehensive understanding of definitions, categorisations and capacities of different pinch techniques. Nevertheless, the knowledge on pinch techniques appears to be highly dispersed and not compiled to a level systematic enough for further research. Thus, this review aims to develop a consolidated theoretical groundwork on pinch techniques. It presents an anthology of terminologies, previous findings and concepts underpinning different pinch techniques. While much research is still required, it is believed that an improved understanding on pinch techniques is now within sight, due to, in part, a structured review of their definitions, classifications and capacities.

Pinch Techniques and their Effects on Pinch Effort: A Pilot Study

Hands are important tools for manual work. Although researchers have identified factors that influence the grip efforts of an entire hand, there appears to be limited research concerning the use of different pinch techniques and how they affect the performance of pinch effort. Therefore, the aim for this pilot study is to determine the effects of different pinch techniques on pinch effort. A total of 110 manual workers from a wooden pallet manufacturing firm participated in this study, which involved an experiment and survey to investigate the most preferred pinch technique applied on screw knobs. The techniques used were the 3-jaw chuck, pulp-2 and lateral pinch. A total of 6 screw knobs of different shapes and sizes were used. After the data were collected, descriptive and Cronbachs alpha reliability analyses were carried out. The results show that the preferred pinch technique for the small cylindrical knob, small sphere knob and all large knobs is the lateral pinch. However, the 3-jaw chuck pinch is preferred for the small 5-lobes knob. This study provides preliminary information for further research on pinch techniques and their influences on the pinching outcomes of individuals.

The Effects of Different Tactile Sensations on Pinch Effort

Failure in proper design of ergonomic hand tools can lead to the prevalence of hand-related injuries. In order to improve the ergonomics of hand tools, numerous studies have been done on causal factors related to these injuries such as grip postures, grip forces and torque directions. Nevertheless, there appears to be limited studies concerning how pinch effort can change with different types of tactile sensations. Therefore this study aims to determine the effects of different tactile sensations on pinch effort. A total of 110 manual workers from the wooden pallets and furniture manufacturing firm participated in the study. The descriptive analyses were conducted in Microsoft Excel 2010 and the reliability of data was verified using Cronbachs alpha reliability analyses. The results show that individuals can produce a greater pinch effort while gripping objects that have a high friction coefficient between the fingers and the grip surface. This study improves our understanding on the implications of different tactile sensations and potentially decreases workplace hazards for eventual improvements on safety, health and medical costs.

Innovating TQM, CE and KM for productive manufacturing in a Malaysian firm

In order to improve manufacturing performance, approaches such as total quality management (TQM), concurrent engineering (CE) and knowledge management (KM) have been adopted. Even so, their influence on technical and business challenges may depend on the type of innovation employed. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of TQM, CE and KM on manufacturing performance, with an emphasis on different types of innovations in a Malaysian firm. Two hundred and twenty-six surveys were collected back from manufacturing personnel and analysed using linear regression, multiple linear regression and moderated multiple linear regression. It was found that manufacturing performance only is significantly related to CE when intervention was made by the innovation moderator. Also, in the context of projects involving radical innovation rather than incremental innovation, CE has a higher correlation with manufacturing performance. This study provides evidence for manufacturing managers to enhance their firms CE practices, especially if they are opting to undertake more projects that involve radical innovations for a more sustainable competitive advantage.

Applying Clockwise and Counterclockwise Torque Directions in Pinch Grips: A Descriptive Study

Hand and finger-related injuries are increasingly common in the manufacturing industry. In relation to this, researchers have conducted various studies and found that a clockwise torque can produce a greater grip force than a counterclockwise torque direction, hence improving the grip control and exertion of an individual. However, there appears to be limited studies that explore this theory in the circumstances of pinch grips. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the effects of different torque directions on the pinch grips. 6 prototype industrial screw knobs were designed, produced and evaluated by surveying 160 workers from a manufacturing firm. The results show that although the sizes are different, the effort to turn the knobs with a counterclockwise torque direction is still greater than the effort with a clockwise torque direction, which can technically mean that the pinch exertion in a clockwise torque direction is relatively greater. Based on these findings, guidelines can be developed to further improve hand tool designs and the capacity of torque exertions to potentially increase human performance and the effectiveness in tasks at the workplace.

Ergonomics aspects of knob designs: a literature review

Hand-related apparatus designs that fail to accommodate appropriate hand postures can cause hand-related musculoskeletal disorders. While there have been studies on the handling and design of various hand-related apparatus, little has been written on the ergonomics aspects of knob designs. The aim of this paper is to review various knob designs and their ergonomics aspects. The literature review suggests that gearshift knobs, door knobs, gas valve knobs, butterfly nuts and screw knobs are common knobs used for daily living activities. Other knobs like the convex, knurled, spherical, cone-shaped and ridged knob are often used for industrial-related applications. The ergonomics considerations identified in knobs include aesthetic attraction, position, torque requirement and shape-coding. This literature review can be used as groundwork for the development of ergonomics theory and hand-related studies. Engineers can use this literature review to identify certain ergonomics aspects in knobs to improve equipment designs, operating efficiency and working comfort.

Primary TQM practices and their effects on engineering performance in a Malaysian semiconductor firm

This study aims to identify the key components of TQM practices in a Malaysian semiconductor manufacturing firm and determine their effects on the firms engineering performance. A review was first conducted on the components of TQM practices. Surveys were then distributed to the engineers of the firm. After collecting 226 survey responses, data reduction was conducted using reliability and factor analysis. The components were reduced to four underlying components. The relationship between these components and engineering performance was tested using correlations and multiple linear regression analysis. It was found that all components have a positive and significant relationship with engineering performance, with organisational continuous improvement having the strongest correlation. The major success of TQM practices in this firm came from productive teamwork, synergy and support from all engineers. This study provides an exemplary guideline for most Malaysian semiconductor firms to refine their focus in TQM practices for improved engineering performance.

A case study on the importance of knowledge management in creative product development

Knowledge management (KM) initiatives on innovation and product quality have developed a whole new level of strategy and competitive advantage for many industries. However, researchers believe that although employee motivation in knowledge sharing is important, it becomes a neglected issue. The key issue here is that employees should realize that KM initiatives are linked very strongly to new product development (NPD). KM involves creativity and knowledge creation which are both important factors when it comes to addressing concerns connected with the product life cycle during the design phase. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the importance of KM in NPD with a special emphasis on facets such as creativity and product development performance seeing as these two factors are specified at the design stage of a product life cycle. For this study, a survey analysis was carried out and analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis.