Palm Heel Support Surface for Ergonomic Input Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer input devices, such as mice and keyboards, often cause Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) due to the unnatural hand position required, which puts pressure on the wrist, forearm, and median nerve, leading to strain and fatigue, as they lack a support surface specifically for the palm heel, causing the hand and wrist to be at an angle and rub against surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated computer input device with an integrated palm heel support surface parallel to the bottom surface, allowing the user to place their palm heel on top, eliminating pressure on the median nerve and maintaining a relaxed wrist position, thus preventing RSI by distributing the weight of the hand and arm on the palm heel rather than the wrist or forearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mouse or keyboard is used without a dedicated palm heel support, then the device structure remains simple, but the user's wrist and forearm are subjected to repeated pressure and rubbing causing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a palm heel support surface directly into the computer input device housing, merging the support function with the existing device structure. This eliminates the need for separate wrist rests or pads while providing comprehensive protection against RSI through the natural cushioning of the palm heel muscles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically targets and supports only the palm heel region (thenar and hypothenar eminence muscles) rather than providing general wrist support. This segmented approach focuses the support where it is most needed to prevent RSI while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the user's hand is positioned naturally with palm heel support, then pressure on the median nerve is reduced, but the device must include an additional support surface structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides support specifically at the palm heel location where the thenar and hypothenar eminence muscles naturally cushion the median nerve. This localized support approach reduces nerve pressure precisely where needed without requiring complex overall device restructuring.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate wrist pad or rest is used to cushion the wrist, then some pressure is reduced, but the weight of the arm is still placed on the wrist causing continued strain
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the wrist as conventional approaches do, the patent inverts the approach by supporting the palm heel. This allows the natural muscle structure to bear the arm weight before it reaches the wrist, fundamentally changing the load path and eliminating the need for separate wrist pads.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand operated computer input device comprising a main body with a flat support surface for the entire palm heel is provided. The new support surface provided is not for the palm, metacarpals, proximal and intermediate finger segments, or wrist. Only a user's palm heel and finger tips touch the input device. The entire palm heel wholly supports the weight of a users hand and arm. There is no pressure on the median nerve at the wrist or in the hand.There is no angle at the wrist while the hand maintains a generally neutral position. The height between the top of the palm heel support surface and the top surface of the buttons, wheels, etc. places the hand in a generally neutral, relaxed cupped position.The present invention seeks to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome while using a horizontal or vertical hand operated computer input device.