U-Shaped Cushion Mouse Support for Neutral Hand Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand and wrist support devices for computer mouse use do not provide full support to the hand area, limiting finger and thumb mobility, leading to discomfort and potential injury due to non-neutral hand and wrist alignment.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a U-shaped cushion member that conforms to the palm and cradles the wrist, allowing the thumb and fingers to move freely, maintaining the hand and wrist in a neutral position while using a computer mouse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing hand and wrist support devices are used, then some support is provided to the wrist area, but the hand area is not fully supported and finger/thumb mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into distinct functional zones: a wrist support portion with elevated rear end, a palm support portion with the U-shaped cushion member, and finger clearance zones. The U-shaped cushion member itself is segmented with side walls, lower wall, and slanted cutout to accommodate different hand regions. This segmentation allows each zone to independently optimize for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat supports to a three-dimensional contoured structure. The elevated rear end creates vertical elevation for wrist positioning, the U-shaped cushion member with varying wall heights creates depth and volume for hand accommodation, and the slanted cutout introduces angular variation. This multi-dimensional design enables simultaneous optimization of wrist elevation, palm support, and finger clearance.
2Reliability
If the hand is fully supported to maintain neutral alignment, then comfort and injury prevention are improved, but finger and thumb range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support apparatus have different support characteristics: the elevated rear end provides firm support for wrist positioning, the U-shaped cushion member with its side walls and lower wall provides conformal support for the palm and wrist, while the slanted cutout and open front end provide clearance and freedom for finger and thumb movement. This local differentiation of support quality allows neutral alignment maintenance in the wrist-hand area while preserving full mobility in the finger area.
3Ease of operation
If prior art support devices are used, then basic wrist support is provided, but they do not conform to the palm and cradle the wrist effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion member is designed as a U-shaped flexible structure with side walls and a lower wall that can conform to the contours of the user's hand and wrist. The slanted cutout in the cushion member allows it to adapt to the thumb position while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible, form-fitting design enables the support apparatus to mold to individual hand shapes, providing customized comfort and support.
Data Source
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AI summary
A support apparatus for use to support a user's hand region in a neutrally aligned position during use of a computer mouse on a flat surface is provided. The support apparatus includes a main body disposed on the flat surface, and a cushion member coupled to the main body and having a pair of side walls continuously connected to a lower wall to form a generally U-shaped member, the U-shaped member having a slanted cutout that extends from the front end of the U-shaped member to one of the pair of side walls of the cushion member. The cushion member receives the user's hand region to permit the pair of side walls to conform around the wrist and the lower wall of the cushion member to conform to the palm portion. The cushion member supports the user's hand region as the fingers and thumb perform work with the computer mouse.