Ergonomic Mouse with Pliable Cover and Rocker Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer mice do not accommodate individual hand shapes, leading to discomfort, cramping, and increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries, especially in children, due to the need to hold the finger 'up' to avoid activating the button and the lack of ergonomic support.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse with a pliable, ergonomic design that conforms to the user's hand, featuring a rocker switch for one-finger operation, adjustable actuation force, and strategically arranged buttons and indentations for the thumb and small finger, allowing comfortable use without inadvertently activating the mouse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional computer mice are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the hand comfort and ergonomic support deteriorate, causing cramping and increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse incorporates a pliable outer cover that dynamically adapts to the user's hand shape, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic form-fitting interface. This allows the mouse to conform to individual hand contours while maintaining a simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a flexible pliable cover over the mouse body that can deform to match the hand's surface. This thin film approach provides ergonomic adaptation without requiring complex internal restructuring of the device.
2Productivity
If the mouse button is made sensitive for easy activation, then the operation speed increases, but the hand stability deteriorates as the finger cannot rest on the button without activating it
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse implements differential sensitivity across different button regions. The central area requires higher activation force to allow finger resting, while peripheral areas maintain lower activation thresholds for efficient operation. This local variation in sensitivity resolves the contradiction between speed and stability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fingers are required to operate the mouse, then the control precision improves, but the hand fatigue increases due to the need to hold fingers in elevated positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single index finger operation area. The index finger can access left click, right click, and scroll functions through different pressure levels and positions on the rocker switch, eliminating the need to position multiple fingers and reducing hand fatigue while maintaining full control capability.
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 ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue and cramping by allowing the finger to rest on the button without accidental activation, providing comfortable operation with one finger and improved control, thus mitigating the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a pliable material that surrounds and supports the palm of the hand as it rests on the mouse
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomically configured computer mouse comprising a hand held housing body having one or more features to provide comfort in the operation of said mouse. For example, it may include a covering of a pliable memory material designed to yield to the impression of the user's palm and resile to its initial shape after use. As another example, the mouse may be provided with finger detents to facilitate handling of the mouse. Furthermore, the mouse can have a pair of aligned buttons for inputting information into the computer, or a scrolling mechanism, preferably in the form of a rocker switch, in proximity to the aligned buttons for activation with the user's index finger.