Finger Activated Mouse Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer mice cause carpal-tunnel syndrome and muscle strain due to the need for users to bend their fingers to click, and they often feature elevated portions that restrict hand positioning, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in operation.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomically designed finger-activated mouse/switching device that utilizes upper levers/elongated buttons with elevated surfaces, allowing users to operate with the proximal phalanx without bending their fingers, featuring restoring elements and switching elements that facilitate natural clicking and reduce strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mouse buttons are pressed by fingertips, then clicking operation is achieved, but carpal-tunnel syndrome and finger bending occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional pressing direction by implementing a back-press mechanism where the finger pushes against the proximal phalanx from the distal side, causing the lever to pivot downward rather than pressing directly with the fingertip. This reversal of the pressing action eliminates finger bending while achieving the same switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary lever mechanism that translates the back-press motion of the proximal phalanx into effective button pressing action. The lever acts as a mediator between the finger's natural back-press motion and the switching element, converting one type of motion into another while eliminating harmful finger bending.
2Ease of operation
If elevated portions are added to mouse for hand positioning, then hand placement is guided, but muscle strain and restricted positioning occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing elevation only at the specific location where the finger rests on the lever, rather than creating general elevated portions throughout the mouse body. This localized elevation guides hand placement precisely where needed while leaving other areas flat to prevent muscle strain and allow natural hand positioning.
3Measurement precision
If fingertips are used for clicking, then precise control is achieved, but finger bending and carpal-tunnel effect are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The lever serves as an intermediary that preserves the precision of fingertip control while eliminating the harmful effect of finger bending. The lever is positioned and dimensioned to respond precisely to the back-press motion of the proximal phalanx, translating this motion into accurate pointer control without requiring the finger to bend.
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 prevents carpal-tunnel syndrome and muscle strain by allowing fingers to rest in a relaxed position, reducing finger bending and promoting a natural clicking operation, thus enhancing user comfort and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring element positioned within the enclosure and connected to the lever, and configured to return the lever to an initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments herein disclose a switching device/mouse device activated by proximal phalanx of a finger(s). The switching device/mouse is ergonomically designed to prevent carpal-tunnel effect and bending of fingers. The switching device/mouse includes an enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls. The switching device/mouse includes an upper levers/elongated buttons pivotally supported by the top wall. The upper levers/elongated buttons are elevated surfaces to better support a user's fingers in a rest position. The mouse is operated by pressing down on the elevated surfaces of the upper levers with the proximal phalanx of the fingers without bending the fingers.