Ergonomic Mouse with Vertical Right Button for Finger Strain Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged use of conventional computer mice leads to strain and injury due to the need for continuous lifting of the middle finger to avoid accidental right mouse button clicks, resulting in pain and tendonitis, and existing alternatives either compromise precision or introduce new strain patterns.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse design with the primary mouse button positioned between the scroll wheel and secondary mouse button, allowing the middle finger to rest and eliminating the need for lifting, featuring a scroll means that is either a wheel or touch-sensitive surface, and friction surfaces for comfortable grip and reduced muscle tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the right mouse button is positioned on the front of the mouse, then the user can easily access it with the middle finger, but the user must continuously lift the middle finger to avoid accidental clicking, causing strain and tendonitis
Solution Approach 1:
The right mouse button is repositioned from the front horizontal plane to the back vertical surface of the mouse body. This spatial relocation changes the operational dimension from horizontal finger extension to vertical finger rest position, allowing the middle finger to remain in a neutral, relaxed state while still accessing the button when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the right mouse button in the traditional front position where the middle finger must actively press, the button is inverted to the back surface where the middle finger can passively rest against it. This inversion transforms the interaction from active pressing to passive contact, eliminating the need for continuous lifting.
2Ease of operation
If the mouse buttons are positioned traditionally, then the scroll wheel is easily accessible, but the middle finger must be lifted continuously to prevent accidental right button clicks
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the scroll wheel remains on the top surface for easy access, while the right mouse button is separated and relocated to the back vertical surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - scrolling maintains its traditional accessible position while the right button adopts an ergonomic rest position.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative mouse designs like joystick mice are used, then the middle finger strain is reduced, but cursor precision deteriorates due to reliance on forearm muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse design allows the middle finger to serve dual purposes: it rests naturally on the back surface against the right button, providing ergonomic support, while simultaneously maintaining the ability to perform precise clicking actions when needed. The finger's natural anatomy serves the function of both support and precision control.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the right mouse button is placed on the vertical back surface, then the middle finger can rest without lifting, but the button becomes less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The right mouse button is positioned on the vertical back surface at a height that creates an equipotential position for the middle finger - the same vertical level where the finger naturally rests during normal mouse operation. This eliminates the need for upward or downward finger movement, placing the button at the finger's neutral operational level.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer mouse for operation of functions when using a computer, comprising a housing (10), and three control means in the form of a primary mouse button (12), a secondary mouse button (14) and a scroll means (16). The primary (12) and secondary mouse button (14) and scroll means (16) is being so arranged interrelated that the primary mouse button (12) is located between the scroll means (16) and the secondary mouse button (14). The secondary mouse button is preferably substantially vertically placed and made of a material or coated with a coating that gives increased friction.