Wrist rest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrist rest designs with haptic feedback either cause discomfort or interfere with gaming input devices due to direct vibration of the housing or cushion, leading to instability and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A wrist rest design that generates haptic feedback internally, with a vibration assembly suspended by flexible supports, allowing the vibration to be felt through a cushion without directly transferring vibrations to the base, thus minimizing discomfort and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the actuator applies force directly to the housing to generate haptic feedback, then the haptic feedback is strong and clear, but the entire housing vibrates causing user discomfort and interference with gaming input devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser discomfort and interferenceVSAvoidvibration transmission to housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wrist rest is divided into separate functional components: a base structure, a vibration assembly, and a cushion assembly. The vibration assembly is suspended by flexible supports that isolate it from the base structure, segmenting the vibration source from the housing to prevent unwanted vibration transmission while allowing controlled haptic feedback through the cushion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion assembly acts as an intermediary between the vibration assembly and the user's wrist. Instead of directly transmitting vibrations from the actuator to the housing and user, the cushion mediates the haptic feedback, providing a refined and comfortable sensation while isolating the user from harsh mechanical vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the entire wrist rest vibrates to provide haptic feedback, then the haptic feedback is noticeable, but the wrist rest may move along the table surface and fall off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrist rest instabilityVSAvoidhaptic feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration function is extracted from the main housing structure and placed in a separate, suspended vibration assembly. This extraction allows the haptic feedback to be generated without causing the entire wrist rest to vibrate and move on the table surface, as the vibration is contained within the suspended assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible supports act as cushioning elements that anticipate and absorb the vibrations before they can transmit to the base structure and cause the wrist rest to move. This beforehand cushioning prevents instability while allowing the haptic feedback to be transmitted through the cushion to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a cushion is directly moved relative to the housing to deliver haptic sensation, then the haptic feedback is direct and strong, but the cushion rubs against the user's skin causing discomfort and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic sensation deliveryVSAvoidskin discomfort and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the cushion relative to the housing to deliver haptic feedback, the invention inverts the approach by suspending the vibration assembly and allowing it to vibrate while the cushion remains relatively stationary. The haptic sensation is delivered through the vibration of the assembly against the cushion, rather than through direct cushion movement against the skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides refined and subtle haptic feedback that does not cause discomfort or interfere with gaming input devices, maintaining stability and enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration assembly (130) supported on at least two flexible supports (120) spaced apart from a base structure (110) of the wrist rest (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3891581B1Wrist rest
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC
  • EP3891581B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3891581B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3891581B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The wrist rest may include a base structure; at least two flexible supports extending from the base structure; a vibration assembly supported on the at least two flexible supports in a manner such that the vibration assembly may be spaced apart from the base structure; and a cushion assembly including a cushion disposed over the vibration assembly in a manner so as to conceal the vibration assembly between the base structure and the cushion. The cushion may be secured to the base structure. The at least two flexible supports may be configured to isolate the base structure from a vibrating motion of the vibration assembly. A surface of the vibration assembly directed towards the cushion assembly may move relative to a corresponding surface of the cushion assembly in a manner so as to allow the vibration motion of the vibration assembly to be sensed through the cushion.