Foldable Palm Support Device for Portable Ergonomic Hand Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomic support devices for hands and wrists in use with input devices like computer mice and keyboards often fail to provide adequate support in non-traditional work environments, leading to increased risk of compression injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome due to their inability to be easily transported and adapted to different workspaces.
Innovation Solution
A palm support device with two hinged pads that can be adjusted between open and closed configurations, featuring a living hinge and magnetic latch for easy use and storage, designed to support the pisiform and trapezium regions of the hand, and an air gap to relieve pressure on the carpal tunnel, made from materials like liquid silicone rubber and polypropylene for comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ergonomic support devices are fixed in traditional work environments, then they provide stable support for hands and wrists, but they cannot be easily transported or adapted to non-traditional work environments
Solution Approach 1:
The palm support device is divided into two separate pads (first pad and second pad) connected by a hinge, allowing the device to be folded into a compact configuration for easy transport and then opened to provide full ergonomic support in various work environments
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment between open and closed configurations, allowing users to adapt the device's shape and size based on whether it is being used or stored, enhancing both portability and adaptability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional ergonomic support devices provide continuous contact with the work surface, then they offer stable support, but they exert excessive pressure on the carpal tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the harmful continuous contact pressure by creating an air gap between the first and second pads through the hinge mechanism, removing the source of carpal tunnel pressure while preserving the supportive function of each individual pad
Solution Approach 2:
Each pad is designed to contact specific regions of the hand (pisiform and trapezium regions) rather than providing uniform support across the entire palm, concentrating support where needed while avoiding pressure on the carpal tunnel area
3Adaptability or versatility
If the palm support device uses a rigid structure, then it provides firm support, but it cannot be folded for portable storage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates flexibility allowing the device to fold into a compact configuration for portability, while the pads themselves maintain sufficient rigidity to provide firm ergonomic support when in the open position
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 effectively reduces pressure on the carpal tunnel, provides customizable support, and is portable, addressing ergonomic challenges in various work environments while preventing injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge includes a living hinge. The living hinge may be integrally formed with and connect the two support pads
Data Source
AI summary
A support device for ergonomic support of a user's hand during operation of a hand-operated input device, such as a computer mouse. The device includes a left pad and a right pad, spaced apart by a hinge that enables the pads to fold into a closed configuration for transport or storage. The hinge may be a living hinge integrally formed with at least a portion of the left and right pads. The pads support the pisiform and trapezium regions of the heel of the hand, respectively, and are configured to slide on a work surface. The device may include a latching mechanism, such a magnetic latch, to releasably hold the device in the closed configuration when not in use.