Palm-Actuated Computer Mouse With Hand Rest for Limited Dexterity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard computer mice are unsuitable for individuals with limited or no finger dexterity, such as those with tetraplegia, as they require fine motor movements to operate buttons and scroll wheels.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse design featuring a hand rest with a horizontally extending first support section and a sloping second support section, allowing operation without finger grasping, combined with a keypad actuated by the palm, and optionally a wide roller for scrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard computer mouse buttons and scroll wheels are used, then precise control functions are achieved, but operation becomes impossible for persons with limited or no finger dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest is divided into multiple support sections (first support section for proximal phalanges, second support section for metacarpal bones) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific hand regions, enabling persons with limited finger dexterity to operate the device using palm and finger support rather than requiring fine finger movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand rest acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the mouse control elements. By providing structured support surfaces that accommodate various hand configurations, the hand rest mediates the interaction, allowing control without requiring direct finger manipulation of buttons or scroll wheels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If finger-based control is required for mouse operation, then standard mouse functionality is maintained, but usability is lost for persons with tetraplegia or finger injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest is designed with universal applicability to accommodate various hand conditions including tetraplegia, finger injuries, and limited dexterity. The multiple support sections can accommodate different hand configurations and positions, making the device universally usable across diverse user populations without requiring finger-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from requiring control in the horizontal plane (finger movements across the mouse surface) to utilizing vertical dimension support (palm resting on inclined surfaces). The inclined second support section specifically leverages gravitational force and natural hand positioning to enable control without horizontal finger manipulation.
3Volume of moving object
If the hand rest is positioned close to the key element, then compact design is achieved, but hand placement comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest incorporates an inclined second support section that dynamically adapts to the user's hand position and weight distribution. The inclination angle allows the hand to naturally settle into a comfortable position while maintaining proximity to the key element, balancing compactness with ergonomic comfort through dynamic adjustment of support geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a computer mouse (1), comprising, among other things, a key element (6) arranged on the top of a housing (2), which is designed for actuation by means of the palm of a hand of a person handling the computer mouse (1), wherein the key element (6) is adjustably mounted between a rest position, in which an electrical switch (7) of the computer mouse (1) associated with the key element (6) is in an inactive switching state, and an actuation position, in which the electrical switch (7) associated with the key element (6) is in an activated switching state, and comprising a hand rest (8) connected to the housing (2), which is arranged above the housing (2) and the key element (6), and which has a flat, horizontally extending first support section (9).1) which is designed to rest the finger segments in the hand area of the proximal phalanges and which has a flat, sloping second support section (9.2) oriented towards the key element (6), which is designed to rest the finger segments in the hand area of the metacarpal bones. The invention also relates to a computer input device system (22) with such a computer mouse (1).