NL1023561C2 - Method for the custom manufacture of a handle, a measuring form for use in the method, as well as a handle manufactured with this method and component parts thereof. - Google Patents

Description

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Title: Method for the custom manufacture of a handle, a measurement form for use in the method, as well as a handle manufactured with this method and component parts thereof.

The invention relates to a method for custom-made manufacturing of a handle, at least a hand-supporting part of a utensil, such as for example a tool, sports attribute or control device for a computer, such as for example a mouse, track ball, joystick or the like.

For many objects that are used intensively manually, a good connection of the hand to a hand-supporting part of this object is of great importance. If this does not happen, the hand will be insufficiently supported during use, which in many cases leads to a cramped, static posture. This can result in all sorts of physical complaints, of which RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) is one of the best known examples. This condition occurs in particular with computer users who make intensive use of manual control devices such as a mouse, trackball or joystick.

In order to have these control devices connect better to the user's hand and thus reduce the risk of RSI, many types of control devices have already been developed. These can, for example, differ in size (small, medium, large) and / or shape. Furthermore, separate control devices for right-handed and left-handed people are known. Also, control elements provided on these control devices may differ in nature, number and relative location. There are mice with one or more buttons, with rotary wheels or a combination thereof.

Thanks to such a varied offer, a better fit is possible with the individual wishes and sizes of the consumer, but in most cases a perfect fit does not occur, since every person is different and the number of different control devices, 4 λ η 1 r β 4 2 despite the large offer, is limited. Moreover, such a diverse range leads to large stocks and associated complex logistics flows.

Furthermore, control devices are known which are composed of a number of parts that can be displaced relative to each other, as a result of which the geometry of the hand-supporting part is adjustable to a certain extent. This allows a better connection to the user's hand, but the adjustability generally only applies to a limited number of parameters, for example a single length and width dimension. As a result, even with these control devices no optimum fit can be achieved. Moreover, correct adjustment requires the necessary expertise and dexterity and the control devices are relatively complex and vulnerable because of the mutually movable parts.

The invention has for its object to provide a method for custom-made a control device of a computer or, more generally, a hand-supporting part of a utensil, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages of the known hand-supporting parts are at least partially eliminated while retaining advantages thereof. To that end, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

In a method according to the invention, a hand-supporting part of a utensil can be manufactured exactly to size on the basis of an image of his hand supplied by the user. To that end, the image is converted to a 3D model using a suitable algorithm, for example CAD / CAM software. A 3D contour can then be determined on the basis of this model, which can be comfortably embraced by hand in a specific position. This contour can then be used to control a computer-controlled manufacturing process.

The image of the hand can for instance be a 2D image, which can be made easily by the consumer himself with devices known per se, such as a copying device or a scanner. A scale indication required for determining the 3D model can thereby be easily provided by simultaneously copying or scanning a transparent measurement form by hand, on which a suitable scale layout, for example a grid or coordinate system, is shown. The scale can of course also be indicated later on the image. On the basis of such an image, the actual dimensions of the hand can then be reconstructed with suitable software.

When converting the 2D image to the 3D model, use is preferably made of existing ergonomic knowledge regarding the relationship between the contour of a hand and the location of the joints therein. This knowledge can, for example, be included in the algorithm in the form of key figures. Once the configuration of the joints has been determined with this, the various positions that can be taken by hand are thereby unambiguously fixed.

Alternatively, the hand can also be directly 3D scanned. This offers the advantage that the conversion step from 2D to 3D model can be skipped. However, 2D scanning or copying offers the advantage that the user can easily do this himself at home, whereby he can order a customized control device from behind his computer.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is characterized by the measures according to claim 9.

In such a 'rapid manufacturing' technique, the hand-supporting product is manufactured directly, layer by layer, from a liquid or powdered starting material with the aid of, for example, a laser beam or printjet technology. Because such a method of manufacture does not first require the production of a special auxiliary tool, such as a mold, injection mold or the like, the method is relatively fast and flexible. Moreover, the method can at least largely be automated, it can be manufactured relatively accurately, and the method offers enormous freedom in terms of forms to be realized.

I A suitable rapid manufacturing technique is SLS, for example

(Selective layer sintering), wherein the hand-supporting part is formed by sintering powder-like starting material layer by layer, with the aid of a laser. The advantage of this technique is that it does not require supporting structures, so that no excess parts need be removed after manufacture. In addition, SLS is applicable to stable materials, such as, for example, Nylon.

If desired, the end products can be finished with a special finishing layer in order to beautify the appearance and / or, for example, to give a certain tactile property. Such a finishing layer may, for example, consist of a foil or a coating which is poured over the product and which forms, for example, a smooth, dense layer upon curing.

In a further advantageous elaboration, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 12.

A hand-supporting part is custom-made in the above-described manner, which part is subsequently, optionally with the aid of a suitable interface, combined with a basic part of a control device. As a result, the base part, which preferably comprises all components that are important for the operation of the control device, can be manufactured in stock in a standard manner, that is to say via mass production techniques.

A control device I can thus be realized in a relatively simple manner which always perfectly fits the hand of the user, thanks to the custom-made, hand-supporting part.

As a result, the hand will always be optimally supported during use, so that the hand can assume a relaxed position, which can help to reduce the risk of RSI occurring. In addition, certainly in comparison with the known methods, the number of standard parts to be in stock is considerably reduced.

The user preferably has a choice of a number of standard types of basic parts, which may, for example, differ from one another in the control functions offered, the way in which these functions are activated, their mutual location (layout) and / or the way in which the computer is used. communicated, for example optically, radiographically or via electric wires.

The invention further relates to a control device and its component parts, in particular a base part and one or a series of hand-supporting parts, the latter being custom-made, based on the geometry of the hand of future users.

The layout of each type of basic part is, insofar as the various operating functions allow it, standardized as much as possible, so that the or each hand-supporting part can be easily connected thereto, possibly with the intervention of an interface.

This simplifies the design of the hand-supporting part and increases the design freedom, because fewer variables have to be taken into account. Moreover, a standardized interface promotes the interchangeability of the hand-supporting parts, making it possible, for example, to combine one basic part with several, different hand-supporting parts. A control device can hereby be adapted to different users simply by exchanging the hand-supporting parts, which is advantageous, for example, in family situations or at educational institutions, whereby several users generally use the same control device.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a method according to the invention are described, as well as auxiliaries to be used and operating means to be realized therewith. For clarification, the method according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In it I shows: FIG. 1 is a schematic, exploded view of a control device according to the invention, in particular a computer mouse, a hand-supporting part of which is custom-made with a method according to the invention; FIG. 2A schematically a first phase of a method according to the invention, wherein data is collected from the user; FIG. 2B schematically a second phase of a method according to the invention, wherein the data is processed into a digital model; FIG. 2C schematically shows a third phase of a method according to the invention, wherein the model is used to control the manufacturing process; FIG. 3 an example of a measurement form for use in a first phase of the method according to the invention; and FIG. 4 shows a number of examples of different mice, built up from different types of base parts, from which a user can choose a desired type during the first phase of the method.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. The description is based on a method for manufacturing a custom computer mouse. However, it should be explicitly noted that the method is not limited to such a specific application, but is advantageously widely applicable for the custom-made production of all kinds of contact surfaces of utensils, in particular where there is a poor connection of this contact surface by hand. of an I 30 user can lead to health problems for that user. For example, think of handles for a bicycle handlebar, a golf club, tennis racket, an arch, special assembly tools, surgical tools, etc. The list is by no means exhaustive.

Figure 1 shows an example of a control device for a computer, in particular a mouse, which can be manufactured with a method according to the invention. The mouse designated with reference number 1 comprises a base part 2 and a hand-supporting part 3, which parts 2, 3 can be interconnected via suitable coupling means 9. The base part 2 comprises a base plate 5, on which the various active components of the control device 1, which are known per se, are arranged, such as a ball 6 partially extending through the base plate 5 and an electromechanical converter 7 associated therewith which a user uses on the convert the rotating motion imposed by ball 6 into an electrical or electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, suitable communication means 8 are provided on the base plate 5 in order to transmit the generated signal to the computer, for example optically, radiographically or via an electrical wire.

The hand-supporting part 3 comprises a curved cap 12, which is provided with at least one operating element 14, in the example shown a button, with which commands can be transmitted to the computer in a known manner, in cooperation with components provided in the basic part 2 . The shape of the hand-supporting part 3, in particular the size and curvature of the cap 12, is fully adapted to the geometry of the hand of a user, in the manner to be discussed below with reference to Figs. 2A-C. The location and design of the operating element 14 is also based on the physical of the user, but furthermore takes into account the limitations imposed by the base part 2, which result from the fact that the operating element 14 must be able to cooperate with this base part 2, H if necessary via an interface which may, for example, be formed at the bottom of the button 14.

Figs. 2A-C schematically show, in successive steps, a method according to the invention with which the method shown in Figs. Mouse 1, and in particular the hand-supporting part 3 thereof, can be manufactured to size I. The process can be roughly divided into three phases. In a first phase, as shown in FIG. 2A, all I user data are collected that are necessary for customizing the mouse, such as the geometry of the user's hand and his wishes regarding the type of mouse.

The recording of the hand geometry can easily be done by a user I himself by making an image of his hand 10 with the aid of a copier or scanner 15. Preferably, use is made herein of a transparent measurement form 20, 15 of which Fig. 3 shows four variants 20 ', 20', 20 ”, 20". Such a measurement form 20 can, for example, be sent by the manufacturer on order I or downloaded by the user from the internet. The measurement form 20 -20 "'is provided with a scale, such as for example a coordinate system 22, a grid 22', height lines 22" or a ruler 22 "". By now placing the hand 10 on the measurement form 20-20 '' during the making of the image, the scale indication is also displayed and the manufacturer obtains all information on the basis of which he can subsequently deduce the true dimensions of the hand 10.

Furthermore, in this first phase the user can select a type of mouse desired by him from an offer supplied by the manufacturer. This choice may, for example, consist of the way in which the mouse communicates with the computer (by wire, or wireless, for example optically or I radiographically), the number of command keys, the location of these keys I (left * or right-handed), the button type (push button, touch button, rotary wheel), etc.

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Various basic ergonomic forms are also possible, of which in FIG. 4 schematically three examples are given. The choice of a specific type of mouse is important for the basic part that the manufacturer must assume in the further method. This choice and any further order data of interest, such as for example the address data of the consumer, can for instance be indicated in a box on the measurement form 20-20 ".

In a second phase, illustrated in FIG. 2B, the collected data is entered into a computer unit 24. If necessary, the data 10 can only be digitized for this purpose when they have been supplied by the user in copy form by scanning the copy. This data can then be analyzed with suitable CAD software, taking into account the selected mouse type, a most optimal form of the supporting part 3 is determined, resulting in a (digital) 3D model of said supporting part 3. Based on this model can then, in a third and also final phase (Fig. 2C), a manufacturing device 26 be controlled by the computing unit 24. This manufacturing device can be, for example, an ONC device or a rapid manufacturing device.

In this description, 'rapid manufacturing' is understood to mean at least a manufacturing process in which a product is built up layer by layer from a liquid or powdered starting material, under the control of a computer unit on the basis of a 3D model that was previously made of the intended product using suitable Cad 25 software. Known rapid manufacturing techniques are, for example, 'stereolithography', in which a liquid polymer is cured layer by layer by local exposure through a laser beam, or 'selective laser sintering' in which powdered starting material (metal or a thermoplastic) is localized by exposure with a laser beam. 30 fused (sintered). Furthermore, rapid manufacturing processes based on inkjet technology are known, such as 'Polyjet', 'MultiJet modeling', '3D modeling' and 'Fused Deposition Modeling' in which droplets or thin threads of liquid material with a kind of printhead are layered. are sprayed together and then cured, for example under the influence of UV light or by a chemical reaction. It is to be noted that rapid manufacturing technology is still in full development and that therefore new processes that may still have to be developed in the future are explicitly considered to be included in this application, as applicable in a method according to the invention.

Thanks to the use of rapid manufacturing1 technology, no molds, casting molds or similar auxiliary tools have to be manufactured, but a product can be realized directly, on the basis of a programmed and / or measured 3D model. This makes it possible to produce relatively quickly, at acceptable costs. Moreover, a large variety of very differently shaped products can hereby be realized. This form of manufacture is therefore extremely suitable for a method according to the invention, wherein after all each user will require a slightly different support part.

It is noted that the method is not limited to rapid manufacturing processes. In principle, any known CAD / CAM technology is eligible.

After the supporting part 3 is thus manufactured to size, it can be fixed on the base part with suitable coupling means, whereafter the mouse 1 is ready for use. Optionally, several custom-made support parts 3 can be supplied per basic part 2, which support parts can be interchangeably coupled to the basic part 2, so that the mouse 1 can be optimally adapted to a group of users, for example a family or an educational institution.

It is to be noted that the aforementioned three phases of the method can all take place at one location, one after the other, for example in a computer specialist shop or wholesaler. However, the phases can also take place separately from each other, whereby the user can for instance make a picture of his hand at home himself in the manner described above, after which the data can be sent by post or electronically to the manufacturer.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawings. All combinations of parts of exemplary embodiments shown and described in this description are also understood to fall within the inventive concept. Moreover, many variations are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

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Claims (18)

Method for the custom manufacture of a handle, at least a hand-supporting part (3) of a utensil, such as for example a tool, sporting attribute or control device (1) for a computer, wherein a hand (10) of an intended user is made an I image, which image is entered into an I calculation unit (24) provided with an algorithm, a 3D (three-dimensional) I model being determined on the basis of the I image and using the algorithm ( 10) and a 3D contour I of the handle to be manufactured therein, after which the handle, at least one hand supporting part thereof, is manufactured with a manufacturing technique controlled by the I calculation unit (24), for example an I 3D CAD technique, based on of the previously determined 3D contour. Method according to claim 1, wherein the 3D model of the hand (10) is also determined on the basis of further data supplied to the calculating unit (24) concerning the handle to be manufactured, such as, for example, geometrically and / or functionally determined boundary conditions. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image of the I-hand is a two-dimensional (2D) image, provided with a scale (22) on the basis of which the true dimensions of the I-hand (10) can be derived. The method of claim 3, wherein the image is made by the user himself, using a copier or scanner (15). 5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the scale indication I (22) is applied to the image with the aid of a transparent measuring form (20) on which a scale division (22) is arranged, wherein I a user during the making of the image places his hand (10) at least partially on the measuring form (20), in particular the scale (22) provided thereon, all such that the scale is shown with the hand (10). Method according to any of claims 3-5, wherein the algorithm 5 converts the 2D image to the 3D model of the hand (10) using ergonomic knowledge concerning the relationship between the contour of the hand and the location of the joints and the mutual position that they can take with different positions of the hand. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hand image is a 3D image made by means of a 3D scan. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery of the image of the hand takes place digitally, preferably via the internet. 9. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the handle, at least the hand-supporting part (3) thereof, is manufactured by means of a 'rapid manufacturing' technique. The method of claim 9, wherein the hand-supporting member is manufactured by SLS (selective layer sintering). 11. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the hand-supporting part (3) is finished with a finishing layer, for instance a coating. 12. Method for manufacturing a control device (1) for a computer, such as a mouse, track ball or joystick, comprising a base part (2) which substantially comprises all functional parts and electronics, and a hand supporting part (3), which is in use in contact with at least a part of the hand (10) of a user and comprises at least one operating element (14) to be activated by this user, such as for example a button, key, wheel or slide, the base part (2) is manufactured in stock using a conventional mass production technique and the customized hand-supporting part (3) is manufactured according to a method according to any one of the preceding claims. 13. Method according to claim 12, wherein when supplying an image of his hand (10) a user also indicates a choice for an I specific type of control device (1), in particular specific type of base part (2). 14. Measurement form (20, 20 ', 20 ") for use in a method I according to one of the preceding claims, in particular for providing the image with an I scale (22), comprising an I transparent sheet provided with a scale (22), for example a grid, I height lines, a coordinate system, or a ruler. 15. Control device for a computer, for example a mouse, trackball or joystick, comprising a base part (2) and a hand-supporting part (3), which are mutually coupled via suitable coupling means and / or an interface, wherein the hand-supporting part ( 3) I is adapted to support at least a part of the palm of an I user during use and is custom-made on the basis of data supplied by an intended user concerning the geometry of his I hand. I 20 A hand-supporting part (3) comprising the features of a hand-supporting part (3) as defined in a method according to an I of claims 1-13, for use in a handle of a utensil, for example of a tool, sports attribute or I control device (1) according to claim 15. A base part (2) comprising the features of a base part as defined in a method according to claim 12 or 13, for use in a control device (1) according to claim 15 in combination with an I hand-supporting part (3) according to claim 16. I Set of at least one base part according to claim 17 and a set of hand supporting parts (3) according to claim 16, wherein each hand supporting part (3) is custom made for another user according to a method according to one of claims 1-13 , wherein each of the hand-supporting parts (3) can be coupled to the base part (2) by means of a suitable interface to form a control device (1) according to claim 15.