Ergonomics aspects of knob designs: a literature review

Abstract

Hand-related apparatus designs that fail to accommodate appropriate hand postures can cause hand-related musculoskeletal disorders. While there have been studies on the handling and design of various hand-related apparatus, little has been written on the ergonomics aspects of knob designs. The aim of this paper is to review various knob designs and their ergonomics aspects. The literature review suggests that gearshift knobs, door knobs, gas valve knobs, butterfly nuts and screw knobs are common knobs used for daily living activities. Other knobs like the convex, knurled, spherical, cone-shaped and ridged knob are often used for industrial-related applications. The ergonomics considerations identified in knobs include aesthetic attraction, position, torque requirement and shape-coding. This literature review can be used as groundwork for the development of ergonomics theory and hand-related studies. Engineers can use this literature review to identify certain ergonomics aspects in knobs to improve equipment designs, operating efficiency and working comfort.

Keywords:

• knob
• shape
• ergonomics aspects
• literature review
• design

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yue Hang Tan

Yue Hang Tan, BEng, is a graduate research assistant from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Malaysia. He also obtained his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Multimedia University, Malaysia. He is currently doing his masters in engineering science at Multimedia University, Malaysia. His research interests include ergonomics, biomechanics and engineering design.

Poh Kiat Ng

Poh Kiat Ng, MEng, is a senior lecturer from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Malaysia. He is also a PhD candidate at the Technical University of Malaysia. Prior to being an academician, he has worked in Infineon Technologies and National Semiconductor for several years as a manufacturing and process engineer. His research interests include ergonomics, biomechanics, manufacturing management, concurrent engineering and quality management.

Adi Saptari

Adi Saptari, PhD, is a professor from the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Technical University of Malaysia. He is also the Head of the Department of Manufacturing Management. His research interests include ergonomics, operations research and technology management.

Kian Siong Jee

Kian Siong Jee, MSc, is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Malaysia. His research interests include manufacturing technology, manufacturing systems, manufacturing management, materials engineering, maintenance engineering, green technology, quality management, engineering education and knowledge management.