Ergonomic Hand and Wrist Support for Fine Motor Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively assist users with limited fine motor hand skills in writing, painting, drawing, and using tablets/computers, as they do not reduce hand fatigue, provide guided movements, or offer customizable components.
Innovation Solution
The development of assistive devices featuring a framework with a hand and wrist support system that allows horizontal and longitudinal sliding, rotation, and swiveling, coupled with a base for object support, and customizable hand and wrist supports to reduce fatigue and promote ergonomic interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing wearable devices are used to assist users with limited fine motor skills, then some basic support is provided, but hand fatigue is not reduced and pain relief is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device consisting of a support structure with a cup that holds the writing instrument. This intermediary supports the weight of the instrument and guides the user's hand movements, reducing the effort required while eliminating hand fatigue and pain associated with direct manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a mechanical copy or extension of the user's hand movements through the support structure and cup assembly. The structure replicates and guides the natural writing motion while providing external support, allowing users with limited fine motor skills to write and draw without experiencing fatigue.
2Ease of operation
If existing assistive devices are used, then basic support is provided, but guided hand movements are not provided to users
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the cup and support elements to move and adapt to the user's hand movements. This dynamic design provides guided movements while maintaining adaptability to different writing styles and user needs, enhancing both ease of operation and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing assistive devices are used, then basic support is provided, but customizable and interchangeable component pieces are not included
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct, interchangeable components including the support structure, cup, and various adjustable elements. This segmentation allows users to customize the device by swapping components to suit different writing instruments and personal preferences, providing adaptability without excessive complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple types of writing instruments and user needs. The interchangeable components serve multiple functions, reducing the overall complexity while enhancing customization and adaptability across different use cases.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assisting a user to manipulate an instrument to interact with an object resting on a surface is described herein. The device includes a framework for resting on the surface and a hand and wrist support. The hand and wrist support is coupled to the framework, coupled to the instrument and vertically spaced above the surface. The hand and wrist support is configured to slide horizontally and longitudinally along the framework and rotate about the framework to provide for the user to move the hand and wrist support to manipulate the instrument to interact with the object.