Cursor Control Device with Self-Lubricating Roller for Wrist Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cursor control devices, such as computer mice, can lead to wrist strain and repetitive stress injuries due to friction and improper use, necessitating the development of an orthopedically engineered solution that reduces friction and enhances operating stability.
Innovation Solution
A cursor control device featuring a hollow elongated circuit module holder made from self-lubricating materials, with a sleeve that is axially slidable and rotatable, and a circuit module for sensing movement and direction, producing control signals to manage cursor movement on a display screen, incorporating a control switch for triggering functions like scrolling and clicking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional computer mouse is used for controlling a cursor over a big area, then the cursor can be moved across the display screen, but the user must lift the wrist from the desk or mouse pad causing wrist strain and repetitive stress injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mouse mechanical system with a roller-based system that rotates freely on the desk surface. The user simply rotates the roller with their fingers while the wrist remains supported on the desk, substituting the lifting motion with a rotating motion that maintains wrist comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the cursor control function. Instead of directly moving the mouse with the wrist, the user interacts with the roller through rotational motion, which then translates to cursor movement, providing a mechanical advantage that reduces wrist strain.
2Ease of operation
If a wrist rest is used to support the wrist while using a computer mouse, then hand and wrist alignment is improved, but excessive pressure on the undersides of the wrists can cause carpal tunnel syndrome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a wrist rest by replacing the mouse operation mechanism with a roller system. The user's wrist remains naturally supported on the desk surface without additional pressure from a wrist rest, as the rolling motion can be executed with minimal wrist involvement.
3Ease of operation
If a roller-based input control device is used instead of a mouse, then wrist burden is alleviated, but control performance and operating stability need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cylindrical roller geometry that provides smooth rotational movement. The curved surface allows for natural finger rotation and maintains consistent contact with the desk, improving control precision and operational stability compared to linear sliding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is designed to rotate freely and dynamically respond to user input. The system incorporates dynamic elements such as the roller's rotational inertia and flexible components that adapt to varying user forces, enhancing control responsiveness and stability.
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 provides comfortable, low-friction operation, reducing wrist strain and improving control performance by allowing smooth movement and integrated design without additional installation space, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit module holder is made from a self-lubricating material, facilitating movement of the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A cursor control device is disclosed to include a hollow elongated circuit module holder (1) having a top opening (121), a sleeve (3) sleeved onto the circuit module holder (1) and movable leftwards and rightwards and rotatable forwards and backwards relative to the circuit module (2) without friction and a circuit module (2) accommodated in the circuit module holder (1) and adapted for sensing the direction and amount of movement of the sleeve (3) relative to the circuit module holder (1) and producing a signal indicative of the direction and amount of movement of the sleeve (3) relative to the circuit module holder (1) for controlling a cursor on a display screen of an electronic device.