Lie-Down Switch Mouse (SI-02)

For (With Whom)

People who have difficulty using a mouse due to difficulty operating with the upper limbs.

Why

Mr./Ms. A, who had come to spend more time in bed, wanted to use a smartphone while lying on their back. Outside the hours when daytime services came, they were alone, and spent most of the time watching TV from bed or staring at the ceiling. Their occupational therapist and physical therapist wondered whether the hand movement they use to operate the bed remote control could be put to use in operating digital devices, and the idea of making a switch mouse that lets them use a smartphone while lying down with the same kind of operation was turned into reality.

How

The cylindrical shape needed to secure space for the switch wiring and circuit board while having a thickness and form that would not hinder the person's hand movement. Centering on the person's own sense of use, we sketched shape ideas together with the physical therapist in charge, made prototypes, and repeated trial evaluations. For the switch layout, we selected switches with an actuation force the person can press, and made the switch cap attachments so that the direction can be identified; for the height of the switch buttons, we also uploaded videos sharing how to use and set up the tool, so that family members living with the person can set it up too.

Outcome

The person became able to make calls and use social media with friends through the smartphone.

Materials Used

PLA

Approximate 3D Print Weight

48g

Print Settings Overview

Body: nozzle diameter=0.4mm, Layer height=0.2mm, Infill=40%, Temp=200°C, Speed=50mm/s, Support=None

Accessories and Everyday Items Used

12mm x 12mm tactile switch https://www.marutsu.co.jp/pc/i/9556/ To assign functions to each switch of the mouse switch, connect the switches to the module introduced at the link below and assign the operations with the free dedicated software. https://bit-trade-one.co.jp/adrvmic/