Ergonomic Dome Input Device for Reducing Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboards cause finger and hand motion-related injuries due to repetitive and fatiguing motions, leading to issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, and existing ergonomic designs do not adequately address finger and wrist motion problems, particularly for extended use by individuals with musculoskeletal disabilities.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic human-computer interface featuring a pair of dome-shaped input devices that fit the natural shape of the hand, allowing for minimal hand and wrist motion, with a kinematic map plate and spider mechanism to generate keystrokes through sliding motions, enabling chording and cursor control without finger movement, and accommodating various user needs through adjustable sizes and modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional typewriter-like keyboards are used, then data entry function is achieved, but repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal issues occur due to excessive finger and hand motion
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is divided into multiple key sections arranged in a curved layout that follows the natural arc of the hand. Each key is positioned to minimize independent finger travel, allowing adjacent keys to be reached with minimal motion from a central hand position.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard employs a curved, arc-shaped layout instead of a flat rectangular arrangement. This curvature matches the natural shape of the hand when relaxed, allowing fingers to rest naturally and move along the arc without excessive stretching or twisting of the wrist and hand muscles.
2Productivity
If conventional keyboards are used, then standard data input is achieved, but adaptability for individuals with disabilities or extended usage is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard design incorporates universal principles of ergonomic positioning that benefit all users regardless of ability. The curved layout and minimized finger travel make it suitable for both able-bodied users and those with limited hand mobility, while the layout can accommodate various typing speeds and styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard allows for adjustable parameters including key spacing, arc radius, and key positioning along the curve. These parameters can be modified to accommodate different hand sizes, typing speeds, and user abilities, making the system adaptable to a wide range of users.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ergonomic design features are added to reduce strain, then injury prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ergonomic features are integrated directly into the key layout geometry itself rather than requiring separate mechanical components. The curved arrangement and positioning of keys along the arc provide strain reduction through their spatial configuration alone, without adding complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. A keyboard layout may be used with the domes to associate movement of each dome with an alphanumeric layout of characters on a conventional keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard layout. Dome movement may also be associated with the relative location of alphanumeric characters on an associated keyboard and the respective relative frequency of use of an alphanumeric character to be produced. Hand-held embodiments of the apparatus are provided that may be used with portable or other similar electronic devices.