FUNDAMENTAL HAND MOTIONS

Gilbreth observed that most work done by two

hands consists of a few fundamental motions.
He called EACH ONE of them as THERBLIG.
(name of GILBRETH ,read in reverse order).

THERBLIG : GILBRETH
( read in reverse order)

2
 contd.

Today we have 17 Therbligs as follows:

Search, select, grasp, transport
empty, transport loaded, hold,
release load position, preposition,
inspect, assemble, disassemble, use,
unavoidable delay avoidable delay, plan,
& rest for overcoming fatigue.
THESE ARE USED IN MICROMOTION STUDIES
(FACTS RECORDED ON FILMS)

3
 MICROMOTION STUDIES
Operations with very short cycles & repetitive
cycles need greater details to analyze it for
saving motions and effort( i.e. planning for
lesser fatigue). This goal can be achieved
through Micro-motion Studies.
MICRO means small. Thus here we study the
motions in terms of THERBLIGS.

4
 CONTD.
Such a study involves the use of
FILM and VIDEO when
operator performs the job.

Later on the film/video can be run slowly

THROUGH A PROJECTOR and
Frame by frame analysis of the work can be
carried out.
Film provides greater flexibility of filming and
playback speeds WHEREAS video is easier in
use.
5
 Contd.
STEPS:
1. Filming the job
2. Analysis of the film, &
3. Presenting DATA/FACTS
graphically through
SIMO chart.

(SImultaneous Motion Chart)

6
 CONTD.
EQUIPMENT:
Camera, Film, Micro-chronometer,
Exposure meter, Flood lights,
Reflectors, Tripod,, Projector etc.

OR,

VIDEOCAMERA plus its

accessories for filming
operation.
7
 CONTD.
ADVANTAGES OF MICROMOTION STUDIES OVER
DIRECT OBSERVATION.

Greater details are made availalble

More accurate
Easier in data collection
Better for record keeping
Help in work study personnel's
development 8
 FILM ANALYSIS:
Film is run on projector,
Details of the work-cycle are identified in terms of
THERBLIGS, first for
Left hand
and then for
Right hand,
TIME ( in WINK) is noted from the
Chronometer readings of the film for each
therblig.
[1 WINK = (1/2000) OF A MINUTE ]
9
 CONTD.

With these data SIMO (Simultaneous

Motion) chart is made as shown below :

LH Activities Therblig Time Therblig RH Activity

10
 MEMOMOTION ANALYSIS
It was introduced by MUNDEL.
It is a special type of micro-motion study in
which activities are FILMED AT MUCH SLOWER
SPEED (60 to 100 frames per minute) i.e. at
longer intervals than normal (intervals being
between 0.5 to 4 s).
Thus a general pattern of movements can be
obtained and avoidable motions can be
identified.

11
 contd.
STEPS: Study the operation to be filmed ;
Prepare the film ; Analyze the film ;
Develop a better method.
ADVANTAGES: More economical (less film consumed) and
Long sequence of activities can be recorded;
APPLICATIONS:
Team-work studies ;
Material flow studies ( e.g. baggage
movement at the airports )
Long cycle job studies &
Study of artificial limbs motions etc
12
 CYCLEGRAPH
It was introduced by Gilbreth.
It is a photographic record of the path of movement
of the operator doing a job.
Little source of light (bulb) is attached to the hand or
finger or any other body part, whose motions are to
be analyzed. When he/she performs the operation
and photograph is taken continuously, the path of
motions is recorded on the film as CONTINUOUS
STREAK OF LIGHT as shown below
OPERATO R

13
 CHRONOCYCLEGRAPH
It is a special type of cycle-graph in which the light source (bulb)
is suitably INTERRUPTED ELECTRICALLY so that the path of
motion in the photograph appears as a SERIES OF PEAR-SHAPED
SPOTS instead of continuous streak of light as shown below

PEAR-SHAPED SPOTS

MOTION DIRECTION

The pointed end of the pear shows the direction of movement.

More elongated and spaced pear-spots indicate higher speed of operation..
It helps in studying the complex and restricted motions also.

14