In product handle ergonomic design optimisation researchers focused mainly on the size and shape of the handles; however, interface handle materials have been neglected despite showing potential to improve ergonomics. Deformable elastic cellular meta-materials with pre-engineered mechanical response based on the biomechanical evaluation of human hand soft tissue during grasping were designed and manufactured using commercial 3D printing technology. A sawing task has been utilized for the evaluation of subjective comfort rating. Based on distinct mechanical behaviour of cellular solids, 3D printed handle interface material stays stiff at the low grasping forces and deforms only when certain amount of contact pressure is reached. Cellular density can be easily adjusted to meet the desired biomechanical response. Hereby stability of the handle in hands is maximised while providing more uniform contact pressure distribution on the soft tissue at higher grasping forces. By this means comfort rating is also increased compared to stiff handle interface materials such as plastic. Results also suggest the handle material has greater influence on the comfort rating than the handle size and shape.

Relevance to industry

Application of this research includes the utilization of this methodology and design techniques in development of handles for powered and non-powered tools and handheld products for improved comfort and also ergonomics.

中文翻译：

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3D打印的可变形产品手柄材料，提高了人体工程学

在产品手柄的人体工程学设计优化中，研究人员主要关注手柄的尺寸和形状。然而，尽管显示出改善人体工程学的潜力，但接口把手材料却被忽略了。使用商业3D打印技术设计和制造了具有预设计机械响应的可变形弹性多孔超材料，该材料基于抓握过程中人手软组织的生物力学评估。锯切任务已用于评估主观舒适度。基于多孔固体的独特机械行为，3D打印的手柄界面材料在低抓握力下保持坚硬，仅在达到一定量的接触压力时才变形。细胞密度可以容易地调节以满足所需的生物力学反应。因此，把手的稳定性在最大化的同时，在较高的抓握力下在软组织上提供了更均匀的接触压力分布。通过这种方式，与刚性手柄界面材料（例如塑料）相比，舒适度也得到了提高。结果还表明，手柄材料对舒适度的影响要大于手柄的尺寸和形状。

与产业的关系

这项研究的应用包括在开发电动和非电动工具手柄以及手持式产品的手柄时使用这种方法和设计技术，以提高舒适度并符合人体工程学。