Ergonomical Soldering IronMilwaukee, WI
2022
Universal Design /
Research Base

The goal of this project was to facilitate the existing soldering Iron. I used to manipulate the soldering iron to fix some electronic devices. When using the tool, my hand got easily tired due to the pain caused by an uncomfortable grip position. With multiple research, I modified the grip part again to make it fitter for people who even don’t have enough power to hold, giving stable support at the palm part. Also, adding a more curve at the part allows the finger to hold at the right position.


Research

Researches on ergonomical grip.
Summary
  • The knuckle and fingers get tension when holding straight bar. Rather handling diagonal and curved bar would reduce the tension. Especually having subtle curves around the thumb finger and second finger will not only support the hands to be stable, but also decrease the pressure.
    Offering some parts to be held by 3,4 and fingers will increase the stability, reducing even little vibration.
    And ergonomically, it prevents swinging a wrist up and down, rather helps it move left and right. These movement reduces a possiblity of causing a Carpal tunnel syndrome.

  • Handle: Ergonomically design hand tools feature a power grip. This means that the operator aligns their fingers in a manner where they work in conjunction with each other to maximize the hand capacity.

  • Shape:  The shape of the handle affects wrist and arm posture. The handle shape varies according to the task each tool has to perform. Taken into account are also the orientation and layout of the task as well as the workplace and its existing conditions. It is important to select a handle that will, with the specific said tool, will not require wrist flexion, extension or ulnar/radial deviation, in order to allow the user to maintain a neutral wrist posture.

  • Depending on how the force is exerted, the handle’s angle will vary. When the force is applied horizontally, a pistol grip is most suitable. When the force is exerted perpendicular to the straightened forearm and wrist, in other words when the force is applied vertically, it is best to use a straight handle. A task performed in the same plane and height as the arm and hand calls for a bent handle.

  • Length: The length of a tool’s handle affects comfort of grip and the pressure being put on the palm of the hand. If the handle is too short it can cause compression in the middle of the palm. An ergonomically designed handle should extend across the width of the palm and preferably be 5.5 inches in length, with a minimum of 4 inches. Longer handles are recommended when wearing gloves.




Sketches

Low-fidelity Prototype



Digital Modeling and 3D printing

High-fidelity Prototype



Ergonomic Soldering Iron_Fabrication
Industrial Processing / Wood Working




key TakeawayI could learn what to consider for universal design through the project. Especially, researching the ergonomic design helped me understand how our body moves and the universal design could collaborate with physio therapy. Considering visual and audio signals, I would develop the project more inclusive for the disabled in the future.

View Process BookErgonomical Soldering Iron Tool Process Book_Haneul(Sky)

©2024 Haneul Seo

Instagram       LinkedIn      seosky0601@gmail.com