Hand-Mounted Input Device Suspension System for Ergonomic Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extended use of handheld input devices like smartphones and tablets leads to physical strain and discomfort due to the need to grip and constantly align fingers and thumbs with input elements, limiting hand movement and dexterity.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight mounting system that suspends hand-operated input devices from the user's hand using a hoop-shaped and U-shaped mounting member configuration, providing three contact points to secure the device without requiring grip, allowing free movement and accurate registration of thumbs and fingers with input elements without visual confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user grips or holds a handheld input device, then the device can be operated, but physical strain and fatigue occur on the user's fingers, hand, and arms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device operationVSAvoidphysical strain on user

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting system as an intermediary between the user's hand and the input device. This mounting system suspends the device from the hand, eliminating the need for direct gripping while maintaining operational control through registered thumb and finger positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the user's hand gripping the device (traditional approach), the device is suspended from the hand (inverted approach). This inversion transforms the hand from an active gripper to a passive support structure, reducing muscular effort and physical strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a user grips a handheld device with one hand, then the device can be controlled, but the other hand is limited from performing other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidhand availability for other tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system enables the input device to be self-supported from the hand, freeing both hands to perform other tasks simultaneously. The device maintains its position and operational registration without requiring active gripping, allowing the user's hands to be available for additional activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a user constantly aligns fingers and thumbs with input elements, then accurate input can be provided, but visual confirmation is required which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracy with input elementsVSAvoidinput efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system pre-positions and registers the input device relative to the user's thumb and fingers before operation begins. This preliminary alignment ensures that input elements are automatically positioned within the user's field of view and within easy reach, eliminating the need for continuous visual confirmation and realignment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If finger straps are used to support the device, then holding effort is reduced, but the user's fingers are tied up and difficult to use for other interactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding effortVSAvoidfinger availability for other tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fingers from the gripping function by suspending the device from the hand using a mounting system that does not require finger involvement. The fingers are taken out of the device-support function and remain completely free for other interactions, while the device is held securely by the mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9913525B2Lightweight system for mounting hand-operated tools, objects, and interaction devices to a user's hand

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

An apparatus for supporting a hand-operated input device on a hand. The apparatus includes a first mounting member with a hoop-shaped body and a second mounting member with a semi-circular shaped body. At first and second ends, the second mounting member is rigidly coupled at spaced-apart first and second locations to the first mounting member. A device support is rigidly coupled to the first mounting member, and the device support is adapted for supporting a hand-operated input device. The first mounting member contacts the hand at first and second contact points, and the second mounting member contacts the hand at a third contact point. The first and second contact points are located on opposite sides of the hand between the knuckles and the heel of the hand, and the third contact point is on an opposite side of the hand from the first contact point and proximate to the heel.