Adjustable Computer Mouse for Ergonomic Hand Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer mice have fixed physical configurations, leading to discomfort and chronic medical conditions like carpal tunnel issues due to prolonged use, as users struggle to find a model that fits their hand shape and preferred grip.

Innovation Solution

A computer mouse with adjustable height, tilt, and cant capabilities, controlled through a user interface on a host device, allowing users to customize its shape, size, and orientation automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed physical configuration mouse is used, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different user hand shapes and grip preferences is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user hand shapeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the mouse housing adjustable in height, tilt, and cant through motorized actuation mechanisms. The housing can dynamically change its physical configuration based on user preferences, transforming a static fixed-configuration device into a dynamic adaptable one that can accommodate different hand shapes and grip styles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements Parameter changes by allowing continuous adjustment of key geometric parameters of the mouse housing including height, tilt angle, and cant angle. These parameter changes enable the device to adapt to various user anatomical characteristics and preferences while maintaining a unified base design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed configuration mice are provided for comparison, then adaptability options increase, but the device complexity and variety of models increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidvariety of models
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a single mouse model with multi-functional adjustment capabilities. Instead of requiring multiple different mouse models to provide various configurations, one universal mouse design can adapt to multiple user needs through its adjustable height, tilt, and cant mechanisms, eliminating the need for users to compare and choose between multiple fixed-configuration models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms a static single-configuration device into a dynamic multi-configuration device. The mouse can dynamically switch between different height, tilt, and cant settings, providing the versatility of multiple models within a single device, thereby reducing the variety of models users need to evaluate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and precision of adjustment are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with motorized actuation systems controlled through a digital user interface. This substitution enables more precise and easier adjustments without requiring users to manually manipulate mechanical components, while the control system provides a user-friendly interface for setting the desired configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements the Self-service principle by enabling the mouse to automatically adjust its own physical configuration in response to user input through the host device interface. The motorized mechanisms self-adjust the housing parameters without requiring manual intervention, making the adjustment process more convenient and precise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4682690A1Adjustable computer mouse
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4682690A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4682690A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4682690A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

This document generally relates to computer mice that have customizable physical configurations. One example includes a mouse that has adjustable height, tilt, and cant relative to a horizontal reference surface. A host device, such as a computer is configured to generate a user interface (UI) through which a user can define a desired height, tilt, and cant and the host device configured to cause the mouse to automatically adjust to the desired height, tilt, and cant defined by the user on the UI.