• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1035-1041
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• 2013

To evaluate the structural integrity and dynamic characteristic of the knuckle part of a KTX anti-roll bar, an experimental and a numerical approach were used in this study. In the experimental approach, the acceleration and strain data for the knuckle parts of the KTX and KTX-SANCHUN anti-roll bar were respectively measured to evaluate and compare its structural dynamic characteristics under the operating environments of the Honam line. In the numerical approach, the evaluation of its structural integrity was conducted using LS-DYNA 3D, and then, the reliability of the finite element model used was ensured by a comparative evaluation with the experiment. The numerical results showed that the stress and velocity field of the knuckle part composed of a layered structure of a thin steel plate and rubber were more moderate than those of the knuckle part made of only a thick steel block owing to the reduction of relative contact between the knuckle and the connecting rod. It was found that the knuckle part made of a thin steel plate and rubber was recommended as the best solution to improve its structural integrity resulting from the elastic behavior of the KTX anti-roll bar being enabled under a repeating external force.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.15-21
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• 2005

Use of a glove made of materials with a low elasticity decreases the performance of the hand such as agility, dexterity, range of motion, and grip strength. The present study examined if the adverse effects of a low-elastic glove can be reduced by a design which accommodates the changes of hand surface lengths by hand motion. Two glove designs which provide patches of elastic cloth and pleats at the finger joints and knuckle were developed by considering the hand surface length changes, and then compared with two conditions(bare hand and conventional glove design that does not consider the dynamic characteristics of the hand dimensions) in terms of completion time in peg board insertion task, maximum grip strength, discomfort in hand motion, discomfort in force exertion, and overall discomfort by 24 right-handed participants. The test results confirmed that wearing of a glove significantly reduced the agility and grip strength capability of the hand and indicated that the novel designs were effective to lessen the performance decreases compared to the conventional design. Also, of the glove designs, the pleat glove design was found most preferred for both better hand performance and less subjective discomfort.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.199-202
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• 2011

Purpose: Hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the anterior of the neck. Hyoid bone fractures are exceedingly rare and represent only 0.002% of all fractures because of its protective position relative to the mandible and its suspension by elastic musculature. We report a patient who presented hyoid bone fracture associated with hypoglossal nerve palsy. We also discuss the possible complication and treatment. Methods: A 69-year-old man was transferred from another institution because of persistent purulent discharge from the left chin. He had a history of trauma in which a knuckle crane grabbed his face and neck in the construction site. A CT scan at the time of the accident demonstrated a comminuted fracture of the right side of the mandible and hyoid bone fracture at the junction between body and right greater cornua. The displaced fracture of hyoid bone and fullness in the pre-epiglottic space were noted, probably indicating some edema. The patient was transferred into ICU after treatment of emergency tracheostomy because the patient showed respiratory distress rapidly. When the patient was hospitalized in our emergency room, he complained of dysphagia and pain when swallowing. On examination of oral cavity, the presence of muscle wasting with fasciculation of the tongue was noted and the tongue deviates to the left side on protruding from the mouth. Pharyngolarygoscopy was performed to make sure that there was no evidence of progressive swelling and pharyngeal laceration. Results: The patient underwent surgical removal of dead and infected tissue from the wound and reconstruction of mandibular bony defect by iliac bone grafting. Hyoid bone fracture was managed conservatively with oral analgesics, soft diet and restricted movement. Hypoglossal nerve palsy was resolved within 7 weeks after trauma without complications. Conclusion: Closed hyoid bone fracture is usually uncomplicated and thus it can be treated conservatively. Surgical intervention for hyoid bone fracture is recommended for patient with airway compromise, pharyngeal perforation and painful symptoms which show no response to conservative care. Furthermore, since respiratory distress syndrome may develop quickly, close observation is required. Besides, hypoglossal nerve palsy is a rarely recognized complication of hyoid bone fracture.