Ergonomic Pointing Device Bracket with Rotating Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pointing devices require excessive space and can cause injuries or strains due to ergonomic issues, affecting the user's arm, back, shoulders, neck, hands, and wrists.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device system with an elongate base member, a rotatable and slidably configured sleeve, support structures, and navigation sensors that allow for control without unnecessary movements, enhancing stability and structural integrity while minimizing strain through ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pointing devices are used, then basic pointing functionality is achieved, but excessive surface space is required and ergonomic injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is disposed to fit over a portion of the elongate base member, with the navigation sensor positioned to detect movement of the sleeve relative to the base member. This nested configuration allows the pointing device to function with minimal surface space while maintaining ergonomic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces vertical movement capability through the elongate base member that can be depressed, adding a third dimension (Z-axis) to the traditional two-dimensional mouse movement. This dimensional expansion reduces the horizontal surface space required for operation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pointing devices are used, then pointing control is achieved, but strain on arm, back, shoulders, neck, hands, and wrists results
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the force adjuster that can modify the force required to depress the base member, and the angular extensions that can be adjusted via fasteners. These dynamic features allow customization to reduce strain on different users' bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The force adjuster changes the force parameter required for base member depression, while the angular extensions modify the geometric parameters of the device. These parameter changes enable the device to adapt to different user ergonomics and reduce harmful strain.
3Measurement precision
If the sleeve is made rotatable and slidably configurable, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation sensor serves multiple functions: it detects both rotational movement of the sleeve about the base member and translational movement of the sleeve along the base member. This multi-functionality achieves precise control in multiple dimensions without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a pointing device system including an elongate base member, a sleeve disposed to fit over a portion of the elongate base member, the sleeve configured to rotate about the elongate base member in a first direction and slide about the elongate base member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, a first support disposed at a first end of the elongate base member, a second support disposed at a distal second end of the elongate base member, and a plurality of support rails interposed between the first support and the second support, wherein the first support includes a first angular extension and the second support includes a second angular extension, the first angular extension and second angular extension configured to support depression of the elongate base member.