Magnetic-Levitation Wrist Support for Natural Mouse-Hand Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wrist support devices for computer input users often restrict movement, fail to provide effective ergonomic cushioning, and compress over time, leading to repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome due to their inability to accommodate natural multidirectional motions and adapt to various input devices.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic levitation-based wrist support system that actively floats and elevates the hand on a friction-free barrier, enabling unrestricted natural motion, micro adjustments, and vibrational isolation, while providing dynamic support and adapting to different input devices without compressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gel support pads are used to provide cushioning, then ergonomic support is improved, but the device compresses over time and loses effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression-based cushioning system (gel pads) with a magnetic field-based support system. Magnets embedded in the wrist support and corresponding magnets in the base create magnetic repulsion forces that provide cushioning without physical contact or compression, eliminating the degradation issue of gel materials over time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stationary wrist supports are used to provide stable support, then structural stability is improved, but natural multidirectional movements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static wrist support design to a dynamic one where the wrist support can move freely in multiple directions relative to the base. The magnetic field provides continuous support force while allowing natural wrist movements, enabling the support to adapt dynamically to user motion rather than constraining it.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the wrist support and base, providing support forces without physical contact. This intermediary field allows the wrist support to maintain stable support while moving freely, as the magnetic forces adjust continuously to the position and orientation of the wrist support relative to the base.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction-based contact support is used to stabilize the wrist, then positional stability is improved, but repetitive strain injuries occur due to pressure on the carpal tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical contact support with a magnetic field-based support system. The magnetic repulsion forces provide wrist support and positioning without physical contact, eliminating the pressure and friction that cause carpal tunnel syndrome while maintaining wrist stability through continuous magnetic forces.
4Reliability
If specialized mice or trackpads are used to alleviate wrist strain, then ergonomic support is improved, but movement is restricted and the devices are limited to specific input device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wrist support system that works with any computer input device (mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, etc.). The magnetic field-based support is independent of the specific input device being used, providing ergonomic protection through wrist support and movement freedom rather than through input device-specific features.
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 magnetic levitation system effectively reduces strain on the wrist and carpal tunnel region, preventing injuries like repetitive stress and carpal tunnel syndrome by allowing natural motion and gesture support, and is adaptable to various computer input devices.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic levitation means for levitating the wrist support surface member a distance above the base member when the wrist support surface member is positioned above the base member
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic barrier serves to enable vibrational isolation between the base member and the wrist support surface member
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a movable wrist support device for elevating and enabling natural motion of the hand/or wrist of an individual when the individual is using a computer input device. The movable wrist support device includes a base member, a wrist support member, and one or more magnets for magnetically levitating the wrist support member a distance above the base member when the wrist support member is positioned above the base member. The movable wrist support device can include magnetically susceptible material that is magnetically attracted to the one or more magnets. Also or alternatively to the magnetically susceptible material, the movable wrist support device can include a slide assembly upon which the wrist support device rests in use of the movable wrist support device.