Premium
Evaluation of recessed and bar handles of freezer door in refrigerator
Author(s) -
Jung MyungChul,
Hwang Jaejin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing and service industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.408
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1520-6564
pISSN - 1090-8471
DOI - 10.1002/hfm.20844
Subject(s) - usability , embossing , bar (unit) , user satisfaction , computer science , refrigerator car , simulation , engineering , automotive engineering , human–computer interaction , mechanical engineering , physics , meteorology
Design components of handles can affect the physical demands on users and their satisfaction. However, few studies have evaluated the physical usability of different handle configurations in refrigerators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the handle height, clearance, embossing, and users’ stature on their physical demands and satisfaction with two different handle types. Twenty‐eight participants were recruited, and several design components, including the handle type (recessed, bar), height (620 and 680 mm), clearance (0, 3, 5, and 7 mm), embossing (with and without), and users’ stature (short, medium, and tall) were investigated. Regardless of handle type, higher handle (680 mm) exhibited a lower flexion angle and flexion moments of the hips and back compared with lower handle (620 mm), and participants expressed greater satisfaction with embossed handles when using the recessed handle. Handle height and comfortable grip configuration were the primary components that affected physical usability. The results could be useful in designing and improving refrigerator handles.