Flexible Sleeve Pointing Interface for Low-Strain Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pointing devices cause strain and discomfort due to arm, back, shoulder, neck, hand, and wrist movements, and lack ergonomic designs suitable for all users.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic slider mouse with a flexible sleeve and slider bar that allows for rotational and axial movement, featuring a friction-reducing layer and optical sensors to detect motion, minimizing strain and providing improved user interface precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flat computer mouse is used, then the device can control pointer movement on a display, but it causes strain on the arms, back, shoulders, neck, hands, and wrists
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device incorporates a flexible sleeve that can dynamically change its shape and position relative to the support member. The sleeve rotates about and slides along the support member, allowing the user to adjust the device to different ergonomic positions and orientations, thereby reducing strain on various body parts while maintaining control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a rigid support member with a non-circular cross-section and a flexible sleeve that rotates and slides independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the support member provides structural stability while the flexible sleeve enables ergonomic adjustment and motion detection
2Ease of operation
If the hand moves away from the keyboard to operate a flat mouse, then pointer control is achieved, but more space and movement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve is disposed around the support member, creating a nested structure where the sleeve can rotate and slide along the support member. This nested design allows the pointing device to be more compact while still providing adequate space for hand movements and pointer control
3Ease of operation
If a non-circular support member is used, then the flexible sleeve can rotate and slide for ergonomic movement, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with a non-circular cross-section, specifically a rectangular cross-section. This asymmetric geometry enables the flexible sleeve to rotate and slide in specific directions while maintaining structural integrity. The asymmetric design simplifies the overall mechanism by using the shape itself to guide the sleeve's movement rather than requiring complex mechanical guides
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 user strain and discomfort while enhancing precision and usability, allowing for efficient cursor control with minimal movement.
Implementation Method 1
a friction-reducing layer adhered to the support member, the friction-reducing layer being configured to reduce friction between the support member and the flexible sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the elongate support member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pointing device comprising a slider bar including a non-circular support member, a flexible sleeve, and a friction-reducing layer. The non-circular support member is elongated along an axis A1 and includes a flat or convex user interface support surface. The flexible sleeve is disposed around the support member. The flexible sleeve is rotatable about the support member and slidable along the support member along axis A1. A portion of the flexible sleeve is supported by the user interface support surface at any time during use. The portion comprises a user interface surface and a friction-reducing layer adhered to the support member. The friction-reducing layer is configured to reduce friction between the support member and the flexible sleeve. The pointing device further comprises a sensor configured to detect rotational and axial movement of the flexible sleeve relative to the support member.