Finite element human hand model: Validation and ergonomic considerations

• Published in: International journal of industrial ergonomics Vol. 85; p. 103186
• Main Authors: Harih, Gregor, Kalc, Miloš, Vogrin, Matjaž, Fodor-Mühldorfer, Marion
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.09.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Boundary conditions; Contact pressure; Contact stresses; Ergonomics; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Grasping; Hand; Hand biomechanics; Hand tools; Human hand; Human motion; Medical imaging; Product development; Product ergonomics; Virtual environments; Virtual networks; Finite element method; Human hand; Product ergonomics; Hand biomechanics
• ISSN: 0169-8141; 1872-8219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2021.103186

Established ergonomic practices incorporate only limited user data while designing new handheld products and hand tools. Design of handheld products and their handles relies mostly on ergonomic recommendations and designer experiences. Measurements of quantitative variables such as contact area, pressure, stresses, strains, etc. on hands using traditional methods are not possible or are time consuming, require a product prototype and expensive measurement systems. Therefore, companies do not incorporate these data in the product development, which could improve ergonomics further. To overcome this, we present a viable option of development and utilization of a finite element human hand model which allows grasping of products inside a virtual environment and provides quantitative results. The finite element human hand model is constructed based on medical images of a real human hand, with boundary conditions resembling the actual anatomical and topological features, which makes the model numerically feasible and biomechanically accurate. Results in terms of movement and grasping simulations of the finite element digital human hand model are presented with a discussion of the utilization of these results in the ergonomic design process. •Quantitative ergonomic evaluation is not considered in the product design process.•An anatomically accurate finite element hand model has been developed.•The model shows accurate biomechanical behavior of movement and grasping.•Validation of quantitative variables shows good correspondence to measurements.•The model allows quantitative ergonomic evaluation in a virtual environment.