Proposal for prototype of ergonomic glove shelling cob shammer

Abstract

This project aims to design and develop an ergonomic glove whose primary objective is to facilitate the manual shelling of corn cobs. It is focused mainly on small-scale agricultural producers in the northern region of Sinaloa, Mexico—a key area for corn production—where many people perform this activity for commercialization or self-consumption. Traditional shelling methods are used, but the conventional manual shelling process is highly intensive, slow, and exhausting. As a result, it causes fatigue, muscle injuries, skin lesions, and problems such as tendinitis due to repetitive movements, ultimately leading to low labor efficiency.

The presented study applies principles of ergonomics, anthropometry, and design, which provide essential guidance for the glove manufacturing process.

The main objective is to design an ergonomic glove tailored to the anthropometric measurements of producers in northern Sinaloa. The prototype features rounded and reinforced chain links that are securely attached using Plasti-Steel adhesive to facilitate corn cob shelling. This design focuses on minimizing physical effort, reducing the risk of injuries, and improving efficiency compared to the traditional methods currently used by small producers in northern Sinaloa. The prototype glove, based on local anthropometric studies, was developed considering the 0.5 and 0.9 percentiles (hand length 15–18 cm, palm width 9–11 cm, etc.) to ensure a wide, comfortable fit for both men and women.

The project is viable because it directly addresses fatigue and injuries that affect health and productivity. Existing tools are neither ergonomic nor accessible (mechanical options are expensive), while the anthropometric design improves working conditions, promotes sustainability, and respects traditional agricultural practices.

The project demonstrates high viability from a technical perspective (using locally available low-cost materials: size 7 and 9 gloves, stainless steel chain, Plasti-Steel adhesive; simple process easily replicable in rural settings), economic perspective (low production costs and savings in health and labor time), practical perspective (intuitive downward-motion use and high durability), and social perspective (strong community acceptance and improved quality of life).

Surveys were conducted with 15 producers: 100% use manual methods, 92% experience pain or fatigue, and there is high willingness to adopt the glove at an average acceptable cost of approximately $300 MXN.

The prototype glove, utilizing 8×12 mm chain links and implementing a downward movement technique for manual shelling, was tested with users who reported experiencing significantly less fatigue, reduced pain (especially in the hands and wrists), greater efficiency, improved safety, and enhanced comfort during their work.

Suggested improvements include using smaller-dimension chain links, adding a leather surface to the palm, reinforcing the seams that secure the links, and avoiding the use of Plasti-Steel for link reinforcement.

100% of users reported significant benefits when using the prototype glove