Hinged Pointing Device for Ergonomic Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller pointing devices used in portable computers compromise on ergonomics and comfort due to their compact size, affecting ease of use and portability.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device with a contoured body profile and a hinge assembly that allows it to fold for transport and expand for use, featuring a pocket for a dongle or other device, enhancing both portability and ergonomic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pointing device is made smaller for portability, then portability is improved, but ergonomics and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device body is divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other via hinge assemblies. The body includes a first body portion and a second body portion that can be folded together for portability or extended for full ergonomic operation. This segmentation allows the device to transition between compact and full-size configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointing device incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable body portions connected by hinge assemblies, allowing the device structure to change configuration. The device can dynamically transition between a compact folded state for portability and an extended state for ergonomic operation, making the size adaptable rather than fixed.
2Ease of operation
If the pointing device is made larger for ergonomic comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device body is divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other via hinge assemblies. The body includes a first body portion and a second body portion that can be folded together for portability or extended for full ergonomic operation. This segmentation allows the device to transition between compact and full-size configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointing device incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable body portions connected by hinge assemblies, allowing the device structure to change configuration. The device can dynamically transition between a compact folded state for portability and an extended state for ergonomic operation, making the size adaptable rather than fixed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pointing device includes additional components for functionality, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing device includes a pocket integrated into the body structure that can removably hold a dongle or other device. This multi-functional feature allows the device to accommodate additional functionality without requiring permanent integration, enabling versatility while maintaining relatively simple structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointing device incorporates a pocket within the body structure that can contain a dongle or other device. This nesting approach allows additional functional components to be stored within the existing device structure, increasing versatility without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a pointing device to interface with a graphical user interface of a computer or other electronic device. As disclosed the pointing device includes a contoured body profile having a forward portion and an aft or tail portion. In embodiments disclosed, the body of the pointing device includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are rotationally connected via a hinge assembly to fold the device for transport and unfold the device for use. The application also discloses a pointing device having a pocket for removably holding a dongle or other device for transport or storage.