Zonal Input Device with Directional Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end gaming input devices lack customization options and ergonomic features that cater to the precise needs of competitive gamers, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies that can affect performance.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse design featuring a chassis with distinct zones for hand support, including a knuckle support region with directionally dependent friction, a palm support region with a stick-resistant coating, and side regions with varying friction properties to enhance grip and movement precision, along with customizable buttons and shape memory polymer technology for adaptable ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chassis is designed with separate regions for different hand zones, then ergonomic support and grip precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into separate regions (knuckle support region, palm support region, side regions with ledges) that are physically separated by gaps. Each region is optimized for specific hand zones, allowing independent ergonomic design and material selection for each area while maintaining overall structural integrity through the gap-separated modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the chassis are assigned different friction properties through directional coatings. The knuckle support region has higher friction for side-to-side movements, while side regions have higher friction for upward movements. This local differentiation of surface properties enhances grip precision without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Measurement precision
If directional friction coatings are applied to different regions, then grip precision and movement control are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Directional friction coatings are selectively applied to specific regions based on the required movement characteristics. The knuckle support region receives a coating optimized for side-to-side friction, while side regions receive coatings optimized for upward friction. This localized approach allows precise control of grip characteristics without requiring complex coatings across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating application process is segmented by region, allowing different friction properties to be applied to different areas independently. The gap-separated regions enable distinct coating formulations and application methods for each zone, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving region-specific friction characteristics.
3Temperature
If gaps are formed between regions to separate them physically, then heat dissipation and structural independence are improved, but material usage and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis structure incorporates gaps between regions to create physical separation, enabling independent thermal management for each zone. This segmentation allows heat generated in one region to be dissipated locally without transferring to adjacent regions, improving overall heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining structural integrity through the gap-separated modular design.
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 design provides improved hand comfort, precision, and customization options, reducing fatigue and enhancing gaming performance by allowing for tailored ergonomics and grip styles, thereby increasing user efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The knuckle support region can include a coating or covering on a surface of the knuckle support region to provide a directionally dependent friction. The friction on the surface of the knuckle support region is designed to be higher for side-to-side movements (e.g., movement toward the first side and/or second side regions) then for front-to-back movements (e.g., movement toward the frontal region and/or the palm region).
Implementation Method 2
The first side region includes a coating or covering on a surface of the first side region. The second side region can include a coating or covering on a surface of the second side region, and the friction on both the first side region and the second side region can be higher for upward movements than downward movements due to the frictional properties of the coating or covering.
Implementation Method 3
In some implementations, the palm region includes a stick-resistant or non-stick coating or covering. The at least one button of the one or more buttons can include a coating to improve non-stick and fingerprint resistant properties of the at least one button.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a computer mouse includes a chassis to provide support for a user's hand, where the chassis includes a knuckle support region, a palm support region, a first side region having a first ledge to support a thumb, a second side region having a second ledge to support one or more of a pinky or ring finger, and a button region having one or more buttons to support one or more of a tip of an index finger or middle finger. Each region can be physically separated from one another on the surface of the chassis by a gap. The knuckle support region can include a coating or covering on a surface of the knuckle support region to provide a directionally dependent friction. The friction on the surface of the knuckle support region is higher for side-to-side movements then for front-to-back movements.