Variability of energy input into selected subsystems of the human–glove–tool system: a theoretical study

Abstract

This article presents an application of the energy method to assess the energy input introduced into two subsystems of the human–glove–tool system. To achieve this aim, a physical model of the system was developed. This consists of dynamic models of the human body and the glove described in Standard No. ISO 10068:2012, and a model of a hand-held power tool. The energy input introduced into the subsystems, i.e., the human body and the glove, was analysed in the domain of energy and involved calculating three component energy inputs of forces. The energy model was solved using numerical simulation implemented in the MATLAB/simulink environment. This procedure demonstrates that the vibration energy was distributed quite differently in the internal structure of the two subsystems. The results suggest that the operating frequency of the tool has a significant impact on the level of energy inputs transmitted into both subsystems.

Keywords:

• hand–arm vibration
• biomechanical system
• anti-vibration gloves
• energy method

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland [Grant No. 02/21/DSMK/3482/2016], [Grant No. 02/21/DSPB/3478/2016].