Anthropometrics, Ergonomics and a Garden Handle Design

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ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA

The garden trolley seen below, is for storing equipment and other items, used when gardening. You are to design an ergonomically shaped ‘foam rubber’ handle, that will slide onto the steel tube handle during manufacture. The ergonomic ‘grips’ will make lifting and moving the garden trolley more comfortable.
A simple plain foam handle has been sketched . The sketch shows the overall position and size of the ‘ergonomic’ handle, you are to design.

SAMPLE - HANDLE DESIGN

1. In the space below, develop a design for the ergonomic handle. Do not sketch the entire garden trolley - only the tube and your handle design.

Add dimensions / measurements
Add notes to explain your design, specifically referring to the use of anthropometric data, seen opposite.

The ‘foam’ rubber grip / handle has finger places. These ensure that the users hands ‘wraps’ around the handle. This will help prevent hands slipping and will be a comfortable holding position.

My developed design has finger grips and also, a larger diameter at one end. This acts as a comfortable ‘thumb’ rest.

2. What is meant by the term anthropometric data?

The study of the human body and its movement, often involving research into measurements relating to people. It also involves collecting statistics or measurements relevant to the human body, called Anthropometric Data. I have used the measurements of the hand.

3. What is meant by the term ergonomics?

The study of people and their relationship with the environment around them. Measurements (anthropometric data), are applied to designs / products, to make them more comfortable / easier to use. I have used the anthropometric data (measurements) of the hand to design a comfortable shape for the handle.

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