Rotating Side Buttons for Ergonomic Mouse Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mice with multiple side buttons often cause strain and fatigue due to inadequate consideration of user comfort and ergonomics during prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotational actuator on the bottom of the mouse that allows the side buttons to be adjusted to a comfortable position through a rotating dial mechanism, connected via a printed circuit board assembly and button shaft, enabling users to customize button orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple side buttons are mounted on a shaft along one edge, then button accessibility and macro key assignment are improved, but user comfort and ergonomics deteriorate causing thumb strain and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotational dial mechanism that allows the side buttons to be dynamically repositioned around the shaft. Users can rotate the dial to adjust button positions to their preferred locations, transforming a static button layout into a dynamic, adaptable configuration. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both multiple button positions (versatility) and user-selected comfortable positions (ease of operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is segmented into individually rotatable buttons mounted on a common rotational dial. Each button can be independently positioned around the shaft by rotating the dial, allowing users to segment the button functions across different angular positions. This segmentation enables optimal spacing and positioning for each button, improving both accessibility and comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If side buttons are positioned on a side of the mouse, then button accessibility is improved, but prolonged use causes thumb strain and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational dial mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of button positions, allowing users to optimize the layout for prolonged use. By distributing buttons around the shaft at different angular positions, users can arrange frequently used buttons within easy reach while placing less frequently used buttons at more distant positions, reducing strain during extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions around the shaft provide different button positions with varying accessibility characteristics. Users can assign buttons to specific angular positions based on their usage frequency and ergonomic requirements, creating a locally optimized layout for each button rather than a uniform arrangement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A mouse with multiple side buttons may provide a user with ease of accessing buttons and assigning macro keys to each buttons. However, such a mouse may not take into account the comfort and feel of the user when engaging with the buttons, and manipulation of the side buttons can cause strain or fatigue to the hands. According to various embodiments, an input device comprises: a housing; a plurality of buttons; and an actuator configured to change a position of the plurality of buttons relative to the housing.