On the 3D Finite Element Modeling of the Fingertip Compression During the Use of Touch Screens

摘要

Finite element (FE) analysis has become an important instrument that engineers and ergonomic designers use to develop handle tools with the aim to reduce fatigue and improve comfort for the operators. The inadequate use of tools, in this case, a touch screen, may lead to many occupational-related disorders in the hand and arm. This paper shows a 3D FE modeling of a fingertip which is composed of bone, soft-tissue, dermis, epidermis and nail. The model was built using linearly elastic mechanical characteristics for all the components. The fingertip is in contact with a touch screen represented by a layer of glass. Stresses produced over the layers of the skin are reported at different inclination angles as well as deformations produced by the contact between the fingertip and the screen.