Principles of motion economy will

be presented under the following

three subdivisions:
1) Principles of motion economy
related to the human body.
2) Principles of motion economy
related to the arrangement of
place.
3) Principles of motion economy
related to the design of tools
equipment.

as
as
the

as
and

Principle of motion economy as related

to the use of the human body.
1. The two hands should begin as well
as complete their motions at the
same time.
2. The two hands should not be idle at
the same time except during rest
period.
3. Motions of the arms should be
made in opposite and symmetrical
directions and should be made
simultaneously.

Bolt and Washer Assembly (Old method)

A - Special rubber
washer

B Flat steel washer

C Lock washer
D 3/8 x 1 inch bolt

Containers
with bolts, lock
washers, steel
washers, and

Bolt and Washer Assembly

(Improved Method)

Bin 1 Rubber
washer Bin 2
Flat steel
washer Bin 3

Enlarge view of
recess in wood
fixture for
assembling bolt and
Washers.
Cross section of
bins showing chute
for drop delivery:
A bin with
sloping bottom
B top of fixture

A detail study of the old and improved

methods of assembling the bolt and
washers shows:
Average time per assembly, old
method
0.084 minute
Average time per assembly, improved
method
0.055 minute Time saved
0.029 minute

Increase in output = 53%

4. Hand and body motions should be

confined to the lowest classification
with which it is possible to perform
the work satisfactorily.
General Classification of Hand Motions

1. Finger motions.
2. Motions involving fingers and wrist.
3. Motions involving fingers, wrist, and
forearm.
4. Motions involving fingers, wrist, forearm,

Manual
method of
operating
swing saw in
furniture
factory (old
method)

Swing saw is now operated by a control

bottom at the operators right hand
(improved method)

Physiological Costs of two Different

methods of Handling Brick.

Method A

Major body bending

Method B

Minor body movements

5. Momentum should be employed

to assist the worker wherever
possible, and it should be
reduced to a minimum if it must
be overcome by muscular effort.
6. Smooth continuous curved
motions of the hands are
preferable to straight line motion
involving sudden and sharp
changes in direction.

Path of hand in creasing folded sheet

of paper (old method).
There is abrupt change in direction at

Path hand in creasing folder sheet

paper (improved method).
The hand makes a smooth S curve,
creasing the fold with

7.

Ballistic movements are

faster,
easier,
and
more
accurate
than
restricted
(fixation)
or
controlled
movements.
8. Work should be arranged to
permit an easy and natural rhythm
wherever possible.
9. Eye fixations should be as few
as close together as possible.
- Eye Movements

Print of motion picture film showing eye and

hand motions of the operator assembling
small parts.

Punch press operation, showing eye

fixations and hand motions of a
beginner. Three fixation were used
per cycle.

Punch pree operation. Schematic

drawings, showing eye fixations

And hand motions,1-three eye fixations; 2two eye fixations.

Principle of motion economy as

related to the work place.

1.There should be a definite and fixed

place for all tools and materials.
2.Tools, materials, and controls should be
located close to the point of use.
- Normal working area

- Maximum working area

Normal and maximum working areas in

the horizontal plane

Dimensions of normal and maximum

working areas in the
horizontal plane male

Dimensions of normal and maximum

working areas in the
horizontal plane female

Normal and maximum working space in

three dimension

3. Gravity feed bins and containers

should be used to deliver material
close to the point of use.

Standard bins of the gravity-feed type.

4. Drop deliveries should be used

wherever possible.

Foot-operated drill press for burring

small parts.

5.Materials and tools should be

located to permit the best
sequence of motions.
6.Provisions should be made for
adequate conditions for seeing.
Good illumination is the first
requirement
for
satisfactory
visual perception.
By adequate illumination is meant

A) light of sufficient intensity for the

7. The height of the work place

and the chair should preferably
by arranged so that alternate
sitting and standing at work are
easily possible.

8. A chair of the type and height to

permit good posture should be provided
for every worker.

Sitting work place for males.

Sitting work

Principle of motion economy as related to

the design of tools and equipment.
1.The hands should be relieved of all work
that can be done advantageously by a jig, a
fixture, or a
foot-operated device.

Foot-operated soldering iron

Foot-controlled
motor-driven unit
rotates pipe for
welder

2. Two or more tools should be

combine whenever possible.
DD

Combination screwdriver and tweezers

Combination screwdriver and wrench

Multiple-spindle air-operated nut

runner can tighten all

3.Tools and materials should

be pre-positioned wherever
possible.
4.Where each finger performs
some specific movement, such as
in typewriting, the load should be
distributed
in accordance with the inherent
capacities of the finger.
5.Levers, hand wheels, and other controls

Controls are grouped near normal operating

area. Major control panel is within
easy reach of operators left hand.

Results of the study of levers.

Results of the
study of hand
wheels