One-Handed PC Input Help - Dolphin - —TA-01

For (With Whom)

People with one hand impaired who want to type on a personal computer (PC) using only one hand.

Why

The need came from several acquaintances with one impaired hand. For key inputs that normally require "simultaneous pressing" with both hands, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Windows keys, holding a key down can also be done through PC settings, but switching takes effort, so they had been coping by placing fishing sinkers or similar weights on the keys. I made this out of a wish to create something easier to press down, and in the form of a mascot-like tool people can feel attached to.

How

Some acquaintances live far away, so interviews were conducted mainly by phone and email. We learned that they were currently using fishing sinkers and large bolts, and that placing these on keys was unstable and difficult to handle. Based on this, we first made a functional model to solve these problems, and refined it by repeating evaluation, confirmation, and improvement. After that, we designed it in the shape of a dolphin that people would become fond of, without impairing its function. Meanwhile, since commercially available keyboards vary widely in key actuation force, height, and stroke, we trialed it on a variety of keyboards at electronics retailers and further optimized the weight and shape of the sinker. However, we have not confirmed it on every commercially available keyboard, so please be aware of that.

Outcome

• It is easier to handle thanks to the fin on top to pinch and the non-slip step on the side of the belly.
• Because it presses with a small beak, it is easier to place on a key.
• Since non-slip rubber is attached to the tail fin, it is less likely to shift position after being placed on a key.
• Its uses have broadened: besides the PC, it can also be used as a paperweight for taking notes.

Materials Used

Body, tail fin, lid: ABS

Approximate 3D Print Weight

18g

Print Settings Overview

Body: Nozzle diameter=0.4mm, Layer height=0.2mm, Infill=25%, Temp=220°C, Speed=50mm/s, Support=Yes (Everywhere) Tail fin / lid: Nozzle diameter=0.4mm, Layer height=0.2mm, Infill=25%, Temp=220°C, Speed=70mm/s, Support=None

Information on Attached Everyday Items

1. Sinker: Daiichi Seiko Bukkomi weight No. 30, 104g; remove the rubber tube. 2. O-ring: 2 fluoro-rubber pieces, outer diameter φ7.6mm, inner diameter φ3.8mm. 3. Magnet: Daiso super-strong mini magnet, 280 millitesla, φ6mm, thickness 3mm. 4. Adhesive (for body and magnet)