Bubble Sheet Wrist Support for Pressure Redistribution and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ergonomic solutions for reducing wrist and forearm fatigue, such as wrist rests and ergonomic mouse pads, are imperfect due to discomfort, durability issues, and limited pressure redistribution, often causing concentrated pressure on the carpal tunnel and constraining hand positions.
Innovation Solution
A wrist and/or forearm support device utilizing a compressible bubble sheet with closed cells that deform to redistribute pressure, maintaining a minimal thickness and allowing for elastic return, thereby reducing pressure on the wrists while maintaining a comfortable and flexible surface for use with computer peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If plastic foam is used for wrist support, then cushioning is provided, but comfort is reduced due to poor pressure redistribution and durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a bubble wrap material with numerous air-filled bubbles that deform under pressure to redistribute weight. The porous structure allows the material to compress and expand, providing superior pressure distribution compared to solid foam. Each bubble acts as an independent pressure distribution element, preventing concentrated pressure points on the wrist.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the support material from solid foam to gas-filled bubbles. This parameter change allows the material to be both compressible and resilient, enabling it to adapt to different pressure levels and maintain comfort over time. The air-filled bubbles can deform to match the contour of the wrist while providing consistent support.
2Ease of operation
If wrist rest pads are added to straighten the hand, then ergonomic positioning is improved, but concentrated pressure on the carpal tunnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble wrap is divided into numerous individual bubbles rather than being a solid mass. This segmentation allows each bubble to independently deform and distribute pressure, preventing concentrated force on the carpal tunnel. The distributed bubble structure spreads the load across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous, air-filled bubble structure allows for pressure redistribution by deforming under load. Unlike solid foam that maintains consistent density, the bubbles can compress and rearrange to evenly distribute pressure across the wrist surface, reducing peak pressures on sensitive areas like the carpal tunnel.
3Stress or pressure
If thick foam material is used for wrist support, then pressure redistribution is improved, but device thickness and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble wrap consists of thin film structures enclosing air bubbles. This thin-film construction provides effective pressure redistribution without requiring significant thickness. The bubbles themselves act as the cushioning element, allowing the material to be thin yet still provide adequate support and pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses air-filled bubbles instead of solid material to provide cushioning. The compressible air within the bubbles allows for effective pressure redistribution in a thin profile. The pneumatic nature of the bubbles enables them to deform and rebound, providing support without the bulk of traditional foam materials.
4Ease of operation
If traditional foam materials are used, then wrist support is provided, but cleanliness and durability are reduced due to germ and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
While bubble wrap is porous, the pores are enclosed within sealed bubbles rather than being open channels. This structure prevents dirt and germs from penetrating deep into the material while still allowing the surface to be wiped clean. The non-porous outer surface of the bubble wrap resists absorption of contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble wrap can be easily replaced if it becomes contaminated or damaged. Its simple construction and low cost make it suitable for periodic replacement, ensuring hygiene and functionality. The material can be wiped clean and maintained with minimal effort compared to complex foam structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively reduces pressure on the wrists, minimizes positioning constraints, and provides improved comfort and durability by using a bubble sheet that redistributes pressure evenly, reducing the risk of fatigue and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel stress.
Implementation Method 1
each bubble corresponding to a closed cell which can deform thanks to the spacing zones between the bubbles
Implementation Method 2
After the user has removed their wrist or forearm, the support zone can return to a nominal shape, thanks to an elastic return effect exerted in the pressure redistribution layer
Implementation Method 3
each of the compressed and expanded bubbles returning to a initial form
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The wrist and/or forearm support device (1) comprises at least one bubble sheet (5) integrated into a pressure redistribution layer (12). The pressure redistribution layer (12) is resiliently deformed in response to a pressure, for example of the wrist, exerted on the top of the device (1), by contact on a deformable protective coating. The bubbles (5) are spaced apart in the sheet (2) and delimited by: a first element defined by the coating (11) or a piece of film attached to and extending along the coating; and a piece of film that is connected in a sealed manner to the first element in a plurality of annular areas each defined around one of the bubbles (5) of the sheet.