An Assimilation of TRIZ in Dissecting the Statistical Outcomes of Tactile Sensitivity, Pinch Force and Endurance among Elderly People

Abstract

Background: Numerous investigations have analysed the handgrip force and endurance of elderly people. However, few studies examine reduced and increased tactile sensibility effects on the pinch force and endurance of elderly people. Even fewer studies include the problem-solving process extending from statistical outcomes of such studies. This study examines tactile sensibility effects on the pinch force and endurance of elderly people, and potentially resolves issues dissected from these inferences using TRIZ. Methods: Data on pinch force and endurance time was collected among 32 subjects aged 55-65 years old. Subjects were required to pinch an experimental apparatus at their maximum limit, and sustain their pinching activity for as long as possible. Cotton gloves were for reduced tactile sensibility while rubber gloves were for increased tactile sensibility. The two-sample T-test results were further analysed using TRIZ.Results: The results suggested that a significant difference existed between the pinch force from reduced and increased tactile sensibility (p < 0.05), with similar outcomes for endurance time. Resolving TRIZ contradictions identified from the results presented this study with a principle known as “partial action”, which suggested that elderly people should pinch using less of the originally desired force when the exact intended force is difficult to achieve, rather than exerting a high pinch force in a single attempt. The “segmentation” and “other way around” principles were also recommended. Through Su-Field analysis, it was found that harmful effects from pinching can be neutralised using intermediary materials between the fingers and object, such as rubber. The analysis also proposed using optical or acoustic fields, whereby light sensors or buzzers could act as mechanisms to provide signals once a sufficient pinch force is detected. Conclusion: This study confirmed that elderlies with poor tactile sensibility commonly pinch objects with excessive force and extended durations. The inventive solutions that extend from this finding through TRIZ provide new insights to researchers in product design with the aim of resolving poor pinch performance caused by degrading tactile sensibility.