The Solution of the Problem.
A packet, which was practically a table with its top extending vertically, was placed near the table supporting the base group, and removable wire rods of the right length were placed in it to support the various pieces in the best position for grasping. This also considered the shortest distance for transporting the arms and hands, whether empty or loaded. These table packets were then modified, following closely the principles of the design of the brick packet, especially the hand-hole feature for firm grasping with one motion and for quick counting of the number of pieces. The packets now consist of strips of wood two inches apart, horizontally, and two inches apart, vertically, with holes for pins, interchangeable wire rods, forked hooks, and other hangers, including interchangeable platforms, shelves, and vertical supports, extended and positioned for still shorter reach, and holding in turn such devices as pins to permit the best position for handful grasping without disturbing the motions of the hand or the wrist from the natural position, or, that is, the position most resembling that of normal rest.
The right position for grasping anything with least fatigue is that position that will permit grasping without turning, twisting, or holding the wrist at all from its natural resting position, that is, with muscles in natural balance. It is but natural that this should be the best way, for it cuts out the positioning motions of the hand prior to grasping.
Two reasons that the strips of wood were made two inches apart, horizontally, and two inches apart, vertically, were:
1. Because we desired to get standard data at the same time comparable with our other standard data. We might also use it for checking, by means of motions in another trade, the underlying laws of motions, which we had already deduced in several other trades.
2. Because we desired to have the motions in very nearly the same places every time, in order to get the extra efficiency and the lesser fatigue that come from the habit that is formed in this reaching and grasping.
Many of these laws have since been re-checked and used in methods of least waste for the transference of skill from one trade to another. Habits have been formed that permit a much greater amount of output with less fatigue.
This latticed packet gives us the same dimensions as our cross-sectioned background. We use four inches in our American work, and ten centimetres in our European work for these distances—the difference between ten centimetres and four inches being almost exactly one-sixteenth of an inch, or so small a difference as to be practically negligible in work on motion study.
This cross-sectioned packet has, therefore, not only many mechanical benefits, such as forming supports, either horizontally or vertically for hangers, but it is also cheap to build, light in weight, and forms an excellent, relative scale for measurement and for “recording the surrounding conditions” of a case of micromotion study.
In fatigue study, as in all other work of investigation, it is difficult to obtain assistants who can “observe what they can see.” Of those observers who observe what they can see, few will write down what they observe. Of those rare ones who can observe and will always write down, few have the habit of maintaining the standard conditions in a long series of observations. We therefore cross-section the background, make our devices, when possible, multiples of four inches, and record the conditions by means of photography, that gives us the key to causes of deviation from class results.
The modification of the table consisted of making it of such a design that it could be turned over on its side to form a low table for tall or double-deck braiders, that would permit motions of less fatigue.
Fig. 27 and 28
This picture shows the arrangement of parts for the base group of the braider. It will be noticed that there are three adjustable shelves, two vertical and one horizontal, for the support in a more convenient position of certain parts that have to be picked up, for least fatigue, by handfuls at a time. The various kinds of shelves, clamps, and tables for different sizes or kinds of machines can be removed or attached to the packet with one motion of the hand.
Note that the top plate is in position and that the tools are at the right side of this top plate before the assembler is sent to the job at all. These parts are arranged in an obvious sequence, and a photograph similar to this is given to the boy whose duty it is to arrange these parts.