Ergonomics Evaluation of Bottle and Can Openers Design

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of bottle and can openers, operating postures on flexion angles of the hand; muscles activities and subjective rating when opened bottle caps and cans. Twenty participants performed two-bottle uncapping and two can opening tasks with five bottles and can openers on two operating postures (i.e. standing and sitting postures). In addition, the joint angle sensors were mounted on the neutral axis of wrist and elbow respectively and the electromyogram system were measured the muscle strength. Results of the experimental study indicated that can opener #3 had the smallest elbow active angle than others and can opener #2 used the smallest muscle strength than others. As expected, the muscle strength was greater and flexion angle of elbow was greater but elbow active angle was smaller while performed the open bottle cap tasks on standing posture. The flexion angle of elbow was greater but elbow active angle was smaller while performed the open can tasks on standing posture. Furthermore, the elbow angle was greater while performed open beer bottle cap task than open cola bottle cap task. The elbow angle was greater and elbow active angle was smaller while performed open milk can task than open corn can task. A good designed tool of bottle and can opener must consider it can let user has smaller muscle strength and has smaller flexion angle and active angle of hand.