From The Ergoweb® Learning Center

Forearm Brace

Dan MacLeod, CPE, MA, MPH

Intro
Forearm brace provides heavy force with no wrist strain

Principles affected

Background

Certain types of tools and tasks can place considerable strain on the wrist. The forearm brace shifts the load from the wrist to forearm.

Ideas and Options

WristRocket
Wrist rocket sling shot

The classic example of a forearm brace is the wrist rocket sling shot. Without the brace, a heavy strain is put on the wrist. With the brace, the strain is transferred to the forearm relieving almost all the force on the wrist. Note in the photo that the hand is relaxed, not gripped.

ForearmBrace1 ForearmBrace2
Tool for spreading thick material

The example of the slingshot inspired the development of a simple tool to help spread a putty-like material on a surface.

ForearmBrace3
Forearm brace for spreader

A subsequent design of a forearm brace (developed by the author) for the same task as above. A ball joint on the top of the handle enables positioning the blade in different orientations.  See also photo on top of page.

Detector Lathe
Metal detector (www.fisherlab.com) Wood lathe chisel brace (vendor unknown)

Some commercially available tools incorporate forearm braces. These examples may inspire use of the the concept in other applications. Note in both instances a good slanted hand grip, i.e., not a right angle (see wrist posture in Principle 1 Work in Neutral Posture.)

Reacher
Reacher with forearm brace

This example shows a reacher that incorporates a small forearm brace.  It is designed to reach library books from top shelves, but could be used in many other applications. See Reachers.