Moldable Input Device Using Thermoplastic Layer for Ergonomic Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices, such as computer mice, are not customizable to individual user preferences, leading to discomfort and potential physical injuries due to their static design and material limitations, which can exclude users with disabilities or conditions from using them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A moldable input device system featuring a thermoplastic layer that can be heated to a moldable state, allowing users to conform it to their hand shape, attached to a rigid outer shell with integrated electronic circuitry, using biodegradable polymers like polycaprolactone (PCL) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), enabling multiple reconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If injection-molded plastic materials are used to form input devices, then manufacturing efficiency and structural stability are improved, but customization capability and user comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is divided into a permanent rigid outer shell and a separate moldable thermoplastic layer. This segmentation allows the shell to maintain structural stability while the layer provides customization capability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines rigid plastic material for the outer shell with thermoplastic material for the moldable layer. This composite material approach enables both structural stability from the rigid shell and customization from the thermoplastic layer, simultaneously achieving manufacturing efficiency and user comfort.
2Device complexity
If static one-size-fits-all design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user comfort and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic layer is pre-applied to the rigid outer shell in a factory setting, creating a standardized base product. Users then perform the customization action at home by heating and molding the layer. This preliminary action maintains simple manufacturing while enabling personalized comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to customize their own input devices at home using simple heating and molding steps. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex professional customization processes while maintaining user comfort and accessibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If non-moldable materials are used, then structural stability is improved, but customization capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates structural functions (handled by rigid non-moldable outer shell) from customization functions (handled by moldable thermoplastic layer). This segmentation allows each material to optimize its properties without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rigid plastic and thermoplastic materials creates a composite structure where the rigid shell provides structural stability and the thermoplastic layer provides moldability and customization capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thermoplastic material is added for moldability, then customization capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic layer is pre-applied to the rigid outer shell during factory manufacturing. This preliminary action simplifies the overall process by preparing the customization substrate in advance, reducing the complexity of user-side customization operations.
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 system provides a customizable and ergonomic input device that reduces discomfort and physical strain, accommodating various user hand shapes and conditions, while being durable and water-resistant.
Implementation Method 1
A moldable input device may comprise a formable layer that is comprised of a thermoplastic material that, when heated to a certain temperature, may be molded
Implementation Method 2
thermoplastic material that, when heated to a certain temperature, may be molded (or at least the outer surface is moldable) to conform to the physical characteristics of a hand of a user
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a moldable input device. A moldable input device may comprise a thermoplastic polymer layer that is heatable to achieve a moldable condition that allows for a reconfiguration of the thermoplastic polymer layer. After heating, the thermoplastic polymer layer may then be placed on a rigid outer shell of an input device and molded by user engagement (e.g., a user's hand). After a certain period of time, the thermoplastic polymer layer will have cooled and hardened, capturing the molding impressions and imprints of the user's hand. The rigid outer shell may then be affixed to a base plate of an input device, and the rigid outer shell and the base plate may form an enclosed cavity, wherein circuitry for an input device is maintained and protected. In some examples, the thermoplastic polymer may be polycaprolactone or ethylene vinyl acetate.