The HovErgo Mouse Pad was invented to promote ergonomic wrist health and comfort during extended computer use. Its dynamic tilting platform encourages natural wrist movements to reduce stiffness and improve circulation. Unlike traditional flat mouse pads, the HovErgo tilts dynamically in response to mouse movements, keeping the wrist active and engaged for healthier motion.

• Dynamic tilting platform for natural wrist motion
• Designed to reduce wrist strain and improve circulation
• Supports customizable 3D-printed surface patterns
• Hardware kit includes essential non-3D-printed parts

The Problem with Static Wrist Positions

Extended use of a computer mouse often involves keeping the wrist in a fixed position, either bent or aligned with the forearm. This lack of movement can:

• Strain the tendons and muscles in the wrist and forearm.
• Reduce blood flow to the area, further exacerbating stiffness and discomfort.
• Lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) due to prolonged static loading.

The Role of Wrist Rotation

When the wrist moves slightly clockwise or counterclockwise during lateral hand movements (side-to-side mouse movement), it prevents extreme bending (deviation) of the wrist. This slight rotation provides several benefits:

• Improved Alignment: Helps align the wrist with the forearm, reducing uneven stress on tendons and the carpal tunnel.
• Dynamic Stabilization: This controlled wrist motion engages stabilizer muscles, preventing stiffness and promoting joint health.
• Circulation and Fluid Exchange: Encourages the flow of blood and synovial fluid, nourishing soft tissues and cartilage.
• Reduction of Static Loading: Avoids prolonged static postures that compress critical structures like the carpal tunnel.
• Joint Health: Prevents extreme ulnar or radial deviations, reducing strain and enhancing overall circulation.

How the HovErgo Mouse Pad Promotes Healthy Motion

The tilting surface of the HovErgo Mouse Pad naturally encourages slight wrist rotations and dynamic movements. As the mouse moves, the platform tilts, prompting the wrist to follow. This ensures:

• Continuous micro-adjustments in wrist position, preventing stiffness.
• A more natural and fluid wrist movement, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
• Enhanced blood circulation and joint nourishment, supporting long-term wrist health.

In user testing, participants generally found the HovErgo Mouse Pad more comfortable than traditional flat surfaces. Testers with carpal tunnel syndrome experienced significant improvement after one week of use, with even greater improvement over longer use.

For one tester with carpal tunnel syndrome in both arms, the mousing arm—which initially had worse symptoms—improved so much that it became healthier than the non-mousing arm. This result highlights the effectiveness of the platform in promoting wrist health.

The HovErgo Mouse Pad was first invented in 2005. The original prototype was crafted using a conical spike, thin plywood, and eye screws slightly opened to serve as hooks for attaching the springs. Several prototypes were developed and tested with multiple users at the time. Initially, the plan was to create an injection-molded version, and 3D CAD designs were even prepared. However, life took a different turn, and those plans were set aside while I focused on raising my three children..

A year ago, the idea was reignited with the purchase of a 3D printer, paving the way for a modernized, 3D-printed version. This updated design includes enhancements like the metal Balance Cap, which protects the top platform from the spike—an issue that caused some of the original plywood prototypes to wear down over time. Remarkably, until the 3D-printed design was finalized, I continued to use my wooden prototypes daily, even 20 years later, with a touch of epoxy added to reinforce the wear caused by the spike.

Below are some pictures showcasing three angles of the original wooden prototype of the HovErgo Mouse Pad, highlighting its innovative design that paved the way for the modern 3D-printed version.