Mouse Device with Pressure Detection for Wrist Fatigue Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mouse devices require sufficient space to move, leading to user discomfort and increased wrist fatigue, especially in environments like notebook computers where space is limited, and alternative solutions like trackballs and touchpads are not user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A mouse device with a housing and a mouse body that uses pressure sensors or switches to detect movement within a limited range, allowing the pointer to move on a display screen without needing to physically move beyond a small area, and includes an elastic means to return the mouse body to its original position, enabling both stationary and movable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional mouse device is used to move the pointer freely, then the pointer can be moved across the display screen, but a sufficient space is required for the mouse device to move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepointer movement freedomVSAvoidspace required for mouse
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two independent detection systems: a movement detection means that detects physical displacement of the mouse body, and a pressure detection means that detects pressing forces on the pressing surface. This segmentation allows the pointer to be controlled through either movement or pressure application, eliminating the need for large movement spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the mouse body to move across a large area to move the pointer, the invention inverts the control mechanism: the mouse body remains stationary within a limited range, and pressure applied to different regions of the pressing surface determines pointer direction. This inverts the traditional relationship between physical movement and pointer control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional mouse device is operated on a friction surface for a long time, then the pointer can be controlled, but wrist fatigue increases and discomfort occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepointer control capabilityVSAvoidwrist fatigue and pain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the control function into movement detection and pressure detection, allowing users to control the pointer by pressing with their fingers rather than continuously moving their wrists across a friction surface. This reduces wrist strain and fatigue during prolonged use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing surface is designed to replicate the functionality of mouse movement without requiring actual physical displacement. By detecting pressure distribution and applying it as pointer movement commands, the system creates a virtual copy of mouse control that eliminates the need for friction-based physical movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Area of stationary object

If a trackball or touchpad is used in notebook computers to overcome space limitations, then the mouse can be used in limited spaces, but the device becomes difficult to use and is not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemouse mounting spaceVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mouse device can operate in two modes: traditional movement-based control when space is available, and pressure-based control when space is limited. The pressing surface can detect pressure from multiple fingers, enabling both directional control and click functions, making the device universally applicable to different usage scenarios and environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adapts its control mechanism based on the pressing pattern. When pressure is applied to different regions of the pressing surface, the pointer moves in corresponding directions. When pressure is applied to the center region, it functions as a click button. This dynamic response makes the device intuitive and easy to use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device reduces wrist fatigue and allows for convenient pointer movement in limited spaces, enhancing usability and user comfort by allowing the pointer to move without requiring extensive movement of the mouse device, and can be adapted for use with various environments and devices like keyboards and notebook computers.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic means (400) which restores the mouse body (200) to an original position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a detecting means (310) which detects movement of the mouse body (200) when the mouse body (200) comes into contact with the detecting means (310)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2145244B1mouse
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY INC
  • EP2145244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2145244B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2145244B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A mouse device, which causes to move a pointer or cursor of a computer, includes a housing having a receiving part therein, a mouse body fitted inside the receiving part, and a detecting means located on an inside wall of the receiving part. The detecting means detects a movement of the mouse body when pressed by the mouse body, thereby causing the pointer to move. The mouse device of the invention is not required to move beyond a limited range in order to cause the pointer to move, thereby improving the usability thereof. Since the mouse device is not required to move beyond the predetermined range, the use of the mouse device can reduce the fatigue of the wrist of the user, thereby preventing a pain in the wrist.