Deformable Mouse Grip Using Electroactive Material Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mice are limited by their design and mechanisms, failing to meet the diverse needs of users, particularly in terms of comfort and adaptability during various usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A mouse design incorporating a deformable holding portion with electroactive material layers and a flexible material layer, which changes shape based on energization state, providing a customizable grip and form to suit different user preferences and needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mouse design with fixed materials and mechanisms is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the holding portion deformable through electroactive material layers that can change shape in response to electrical signals. This allows the mouse to dynamically adapt its grip characteristics to different user needs, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can be adjusted during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing electroactive materials whose physical properties (shape, stiffness) can be altered through electrical activation. By changing the energization state of these materials, the holding portion's mechanical parameters are modified to suit different usage scenarios, enabling versatility without permanent structural changes.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fixed-shape mouse design is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but user comfort and control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible material layers and electroactive material layers that can be laminated together to create a deformable holding portion. This approach uses thin, flexible structures that are relatively simple to manufacture through layering techniques, while providing the capability to change shape for improved user comfort and control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable holding portion with electroactive material is used, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining electroactive material layers with flexible material layers to create the deformable holding portion. This composite structure integrates the shape-changing capability of electroactive materials with the mechanical flexibility of polymer materials, achieving customizable grip characteristics through material composition rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 mouse offers improved user experience through customizable shape adaptation, enhancing control and comfort while preventing adverse effects like elastic fatigue, thus meeting the varied needs of different users effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable holding portion includes at least one electroactive material layer... When the electroactive material layer is in an energized state, the deformable holding portion has a first shape. When the electroactive material layer is in an unenergized state, the deformable holding portion has a second shape
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse includes a button portion, a deformable holding portion and a change-over switch. The button portion has a lower housing and an upper housing assembled to the lower housing. The upper housing has a first button and a second button. The deformable holding portion is connected to the button portion and includes a palm supporting area, a first and second electroactive material layers respectively disposed on two sides of the palm supporting area, and a first and second flexible material layers respectively covering the first and second electroactive material layers. The change-over switch is disposed on the lower housing. The change-over switch is selectively electrically connected to the first electroactive material layer or the second electroactive material layer.