CONTENTS

INDIAN BREAD MAKING TOOLS - CONSUMER EVALUATION AND DESIGN MODIFICATION
Under subject aspect both the Quantitative
and Qualitative measurements like anthropometry,
palm length, palm width, grip diameter, palm index,
grip strength, elbow angles, time of operation
evaluation of user was done. Six willing respondents
were selected for ergonomic evaluation.
Anthropometry
Table 3. Average anthropometric measurements of respondents (N=6)
Dimensions
Measurements
Right hand
Left hand
Palm length (cm) 20.0 19.8
Palm width (cm) 11.4 11.4
Inner grip diameter(cm) 4.8 4.4
Anthropometric measurements that were
studied- palm length, palm width and inner grip
diameter of the sample, and length and width of the
tools. An anthropometer was used to measure the
dimensions i.e., anthropometry of the human body.
Table 3 shows a very minimal variation in palm length.
Palm Index
Table 4. Average Palm Index of the respondents (%) (N=6)
Rolling pin and rolling
board
Right hand
Left hand
Model 1 14.2 14.1
Model 2 18.5 18.8
Model 3 8.2 6.0
Model 4 18.8 17.5
The contact area of the hand with the handle
of the rolling pin is important, the greater the contact
area the better will be the grip. To measure it, the
working area of the handle was painted with lamp
black color and the subjects were asked to hold the
rolling pin as they generally hold them naturally in
the kitchen. An impression of the painted palm was
taken on a plain white paper. Outlines of the painted
area were marked and measured. The equipment
used to conduct the experiment was sliding calipers
and measuring tape. It is evident from the data in
table – 4, that while using model 2 and model 4 rolling
pins the force is distributed to larger area of the palm
compared to other models, increasing the efficiency
of model 3 compared to other models as when grip
force required is distributed to a large pressure
bearing area on the finger and palm to increase the
work efficiency. The result is in accordance with the
study by Hedge and Poncers, (1995) who revealed
that grip force required should get distributed to as
large pressure bearing area on the finger and palm
as possible to increase the work efficiency.
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