A variable form input device based on origami geometry and locking mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and a locking mechanism, comprising a base unit, an input module, a palm rest module, and two side panels. The base unit is equipped with a locking element, a drive unit, a trigger sensor, and a controller. The input module and the palm rest module are equipped with locking mating parts corresponding to the locking elements. The trigger sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the drive unit. This invention achieves a fundamental balance between portability and user comfort. Specifically, it utilizes a folding structure consisting of a completely flat base unit, input module, palm rest module, and side panels, coupled with an automatic limiting mechanism controlled by the trigger sensor, controller, and drive unit. This structure allows the device to be folded into a uniformly thick sheet shape when stored, greatly improving portability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of computer input device technology, and in particular relates to a variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and a locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of mobile work, the demand for portability in computer peripherals is growing. While traditional desktop mice offer good ergonomic support, they are bulky and inconvenient to carry. To balance portability and comfort, current technologies are mainly developing in two directions: one is to miniaturize the mouse as a whole. While this improves portability, it severely sacrifices support for the user's palm, leading to fatigue during prolonged use; the other is to design flexible and deformable mice, for example, by using elastic deformation to switch between a flat and arched usage state.

[0003] However, existing flexible and deformable mice have inherent drawbacks. First, they rely on material elasticity or complex internal linkage mechanisms to achieve deformation, resulting in inherent curvature or local protrusions even in their so-called "flat" storage state, preventing true flattening like a card and limiting their inherent portability. Second, the presence of their deformable structure and physical microswitches hinders further reduction in device thickness. Finally, the transformation process and final locked state often lack a clear and stable mechanical connection, leading to a vague user experience and insufficient rigidity of the supporting structure, making it difficult to provide satisfactory stability. To address these issues, a variable-form input device based on origami-like geometry and a locking mechanism is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a variable shape input device based on origami-style geometry and a locking mechanism, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention relates to a variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and a locking mechanism. It includes a base plate unit, an input module, a palm rest module, and two side panels. The input module, palm rest module, and two side panels are all foldably connected to the base plate unit. The input module and palm rest module can be folded towards each other and connected to each other via magnetic attraction. The base plate unit is equipped with a locking element, a drive unit, a trigger sensor, and a controller. The input module and palm rest module have locking engagement parts corresponding to the locking element. The trigger sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is electrically connected to the drive unit. The drive unit is configured to drive the locking element to switch between a disengaged position and a locked position. The trigger sensor is configured to be triggered in response to the two side panels folding above the base plate unit. When the trigger sensor is triggered, the controller controls the drive unit to move the locking element to the locked position, so that the locking element engages with the locking engagement part, providing support and limiting for the input module and palm rest module in the folded connected state.

[0006] Preferably, the base plate unit is provided with a plurality of rectangular grooves, the locking member is a limiting plate rotatably provided on the base plate unit, and the locking mating part is a limiting groove provided on the input module and the palm support module; when the locking member is in the locked position, the limiting plate is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0007] Preferably, the driving unit includes a connecting shaft fixedly connected to the limiting plate, a torsion spring sleeved on the circumferential side of the connecting shaft, and an electromagnet fixedly disposed on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the rectangular groove. The connecting shaft is rotatably disposed in the rectangular groove. The limiting plate is provided with a magnetic absorbing piece corresponding to the electromagnet. The controller is configured to: when the trigger sensor is not triggered, control the electromagnet to be energized to attract the magnetic absorbing piece, so that the limiting plate is held in the disengaged position; when the trigger sensor is triggered, control the electromagnet to be de-energized, and the limiting plate rotates to the locked position under the action of the torsion spring.

[0008] Preferably, the trigger sensor is a push-button switch.

[0009] Preferably, the structure in which the input module and the palm rest module are connected to each other by magnetic attraction includes a first connecting plate fixedly connected to the input module, a first magnetic attraction plate fixedly disposed on the first connecting plate, a second connecting plate fixedly connected to the palm rest module, and a second magnetic attraction plate fixedly disposed on the second connecting plate.

[0010] Preferably, the base plate unit is provided with a first protective shell that houses the controller, a second protective shell that houses the circuit board and the battery, and a third protective shell that houses the wireless module, all of which are isolated from each other.

[0011] Preferably, the sides of the two side wing plates are magnetically engaged with the sides of the input module and the palm rest module, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the device is a computer mouse, and the input module integrates a button area and a sensor. In the stored state, the input module, palm rest module, and side wing plates are all laid flat on or below the base plate unit, forming a sheet-like structure.

[0013] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention achieves a fundamental balance between portability and user comfort. Specifically, it utilizes a folding structure consisting of a fully flat base unit, an input module, a palm rest module, and side panels, coupled with an automatic limiting mechanism controlled by a trigger sensor, controller, and drive unit. This structure allows the device to be folded into a uniformly thick sheet shape when stored, greatly improving portability. In use, simply folding the side panels automatically triggers the limiting plates to pop out, providing rigid locking and support to the arched grip structure, offering a full grip comparable to a traditional mouse. This resolves the contradiction in existing portable mice where it is difficult to balance thinness and comfort. This invention achieves intelligent coordination and simplified operation of form transformation and structural locking. Specifically, it uses a push-button switch triggered by the folding action of the side wing as a signal source, and a drive unit that controls the electromagnet's on / off state based on this signal. By completing the single, intuitive action of "folding the side wing," the user can automatically and reliably complete the entire form construction and locking process from "portable flat state" to "stable use state." This design integrates guidance, drive, and locking functions, eliminating the complex multi-step operations or vague locking feel of traditional deformable structures, providing a direct and efficient user experience. This invention achieves optimized internal space layout and ultra-high overall structural reliability. Specifically, it uses a first, second, and third protective shell, each isolated from the other, within the base unit to house the controller, circuit board and battery, and wireless module, respectively. This partitioned shielding layout effectively avoids circuit interference, improves electromagnetic compatibility, and provides ample space for the folding mechanism. Simultaneously, the automatic limit mechanism employs a combination of contactless electromagnetic adsorption and mechanical springing, fundamentally eliminating wear and poor contact associated with mechanical switches, resulting in a longer lifespan. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction (such as a power outage), the limit plate automatically pops out and locks under the action of a torsion spring.

[0014] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mouse formed by folding the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing multiple protective shells; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the bottom side structure; Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bottom side structure; Figure 7 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the partial structure at point A in the middle; Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point B in the middle.

[0017] The components represented by each number in the attached diagram are listed below: 1. Base plate unit; 2. Input module; 3. Palm rest module; 4. Side wing plate; 5. Push-button switch; 6. Rectangular groove; 7. Limiting plate; 8. Limiting groove; 9. First magnetic plate; 10. Second magnetic plate; 11. First protective shell; 12. Second protective shell; 13. Third protective shell; 14. First connecting plate; 15. Second connecting plate; 16. Controller; 17. Circuit board; 18. Battery; 19. Wireless module; 20. Electromagnet; 21. Connecting shaft; 22. Torsion spring; 23. Magnetic plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "middle," "outer," "inner," etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0020] Please see Figures 1-9 As shown, the present invention is a variable form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism, including a base plate unit 1, an input module 2, a palm support module 3, and two side wing plates 4. The input module 2, palm support module 3, and two side wing plates 4 are all foldably connected to the base plate unit 1 through preset flexible creases or micro hinges (not shown in the figure). The input module 2 and the palm support module 3 can be folded towards each other and are attracted to each other by a magnetic attraction device between them, thereby jointly constructing an arched ergonomic grip above the base plate unit 1 to provide full support for the palm. The two side wing plates 4 can be folded upward to cover the upper sides of the base plate unit 1.

[0021] The base plate unit 1 is provided with a locking component, a drive unit, a trigger sensor and a controller 16; the upper surface of the base plate unit 1 is provided with a number of rectangular slots 6, and the locking component is specifically a limiting plate 7 rotatably set in the rectangular slot 6. Correspondingly, a limiting slot 8 is provided at the bottom of the input module 2 and the palm support module 3 (i.e. the inner side of the arch structure), which serves as a locking engagement part that cooperates with the limiting plate 7.

[0022] The drive unit is used to precisely control the movement of the limit plate 7, and it specifically includes: Connecting shaft 21: fixedly connected to the limiting plate 7 and rotatably supported on both sides of the rectangular groove 6; Torsion spring 22: sleeved on the circumferential side of the connecting shaft 21; one end of the torsion spring 22 is connected to the limiting plate 7, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the rectangular groove 6, thereby providing the limiting plate 7 with a continuous elastic restoring torque in the pop-out direction (i.e., towards the locked position); Electromagnet 20: fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the rectangular groove 6; Magnetic absorbing plate 23: fixed to the back of the limiting plate 7, and its position precisely corresponds to the electromagnet 20; the magnetic absorbing plate 23 can be made of ferromagnetic materials such as soft iron.

[0023] When the electromagnet 20 is energized, it generates a strong magnetic field that firmly attracts the magnetic chuck 23, thereby allowing the limiting plate 7 to overcome the torque of the torsion spring 22 and remain in the disengaged position completely contained within the rectangular groove 6 (e.g., Figure 4 When the electromagnet 20 is de-energized, the magnetic force disappears, and the limiting plate 7, driven by the elastic potential energy stored in the torsion spring 22, quickly rotates and pops out around the connecting shaft 21 to reach the locking position. Its free end is precisely inserted into the limiting groove 8 on the input module 2 and the palm support module 3, forming a rigid mechanical interlock, thereby resisting the palm pressure applied by the user during use and ensuring that the arch structure does not collapse.

[0024] The trigger sensor is a push-button switch 5, which is located at a specific position on the upper surface of the base plate unit 1. This position is precisely calculated so that when the two side wing plates 4 are completely folded to cover the base plate unit 1, they can just press against the contacts of the push-button switch 5.

[0025] The device has an internal controller 16 (such as a microcontroller unit MCU), which is the "brain" of the entire system. The push-button switch 5 is electrically connected to the signal input terminal of the controller 16, while the output terminal of the controller 16 is electrically connected to the drive circuit of the electromagnet 20.

[0026] After the user folds the input module 2 and palm rest module 3 into an arch shape and magnetically closes them, they then fold the two side panels 4 over the base plate unit 1. This action simultaneously completes the shape construction and signal triggering—the side panels 4 press down the push-button switch 5; the controller 16 monitors the status of the push-button switch 5 in real time. Once it detects that the switch has been pressed (i.e., the side panels 4 are in place), the controller 16 immediately issues a command to cut off the power supply to the electromagnet 20; the electromagnet 20 loses its magnetism, and the limit plate 7 pops out instantly under the action of the torsion spring 22, inserting into the limit slot 8 to complete the final locking. The whole process is smooth and rapid, accompanied by a clear mechanical "click" sound as confirmation feedback.

[0027] The input module 2 and the palm rest module 3 are fixed together by a special magnetic connection structure. Specifically, the input module 2 has a first connecting plate 14 fixed inside, on which a first magnetic plate 9 is embedded; the palm rest module 3 has a second connecting plate 15 fixed inside, on which a second magnetic plate 10 is embedded. When the two are folded close together, they are tightly attracted by magnetic force, forming the main connection point of the arch structure. In addition, magnets (not labeled in the figure) can also be set on the inner side of the two side wing plates 4, which are attracted to the corresponding magnets on the sides of the input module 2 and the palm rest module 3, providing additional lateral stability.

[0028] To ensure the reliability of the electronic system in mechanical environments with frequent folding, and to optimize internal space, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the interior of base plate unit 1 features a modular partitioning design: The first partition, enclosed by a first protective shell 11, houses a controller 16, isolating it from the power components. The second partition, enclosed by a second protective shell 12, houses the main circuit board 17 and a battery 18 that powers the entire device. The third partition, enclosed by a third protective shell 13, houses a wireless module 19 (such as a Bluetooth chip and antenna) that enables wireless data transmission. This "partition shielding" layout effectively prevents mutual interference between circuits, improves electromagnetic compatibility, and physically isolates electronic components from the moving mechanism, thereby enhancing reliability.

[0029] Working principle: When transitioning from the stored state, the user first folds the input module 2 and palm rest module 3 to form a temporary arch shape through magnetic attraction, and then folds the side wing plates 4 to trigger the push-button switch 5. After the controller 16 detects the signal, it immediately cuts off the current of the electromagnet 20. The limit plate 7 is driven by the torsion spring 22 to pop out at high speed and insert into the limit slot 8 to complete the rigid locking. When returning from the used state, unfolding the side wing plates 4 releases the push-button switch 5, and the controller 16 reconnects the electromagnet 20. With the assistance of magnetic force, the user presses the limit plate 7 back to the adsorption position and releases the magnetic attraction, so that the device can be completely flattened. The whole process automatically transforms the user's intuitive folding and unfolding actions into the generation of electronic control signals and the execution and release of mechanical locking, realizing a reliable, intelligent and easy-to-operate conversion between the portable flat state and the stable arch state.

[0030] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism, comprising a base plate unit (1), an input module (2), a palm support module (3), and two side wing plates (4), wherein the input module (2), the palm support module (3), and the two side wing plates (4) are all foldably connected to the base plate unit (1), characterized in that: The input module (2) and the palm support module (3) can be folded towards each other and connected to each other by magnetic attraction. The base plate unit (1) is provided with a locking element, a driving unit, a trigger sensor and a controller (16). The input module (2) and the palm rest module (3) are provided with locking engagement parts corresponding to the locking member. The trigger sensor is electrically connected to the controller (16). The controller (16) is electrically connected to the drive unit. The drive unit is configured to drive the locking member to switch between the disengaged position and the locked position. The trigger sensor is configured to be triggered in response to the action of the two side wing plates (4) folding over the base plate unit (1); the controller (16) is configured to control the drive unit to drive the locking member to the locking position when the trigger sensor is triggered, so that the locking member engages with the locking mating part to support and limit the input module (2) and the palm support module (3) in the folded connection state.

2. The variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate unit (1) is provided with several rectangular grooves (6), the locking member is a limiting plate (7) rotatably provided on the base plate unit (1), and the locking mating part is a limiting groove (8) provided on the input module (2) and the palm support module (3); when the locking member is in the locked position, the limiting plate (7) is inserted into the limiting groove (8).

3. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a connecting shaft (21) fixedly connected to the limiting plate (7), a torsion spring (22) sleeved on the periphery of the connecting shaft (21), and an electromagnet (20) fixedly disposed on the bottom surface of the inner wall of the rectangular groove (6). The connecting shaft (21) is rotatably disposed in the rectangular groove (6). The limiting plate (7) is provided with a magnetic absorbing piece (23) corresponding to the electromagnet (20). The controller (16) is configured to: when the trigger sensor is not triggered, control the electromagnet (20) to be energized to attract the magnetic absorbing piece (23) so that the limiting plate (7) is held in the disengaged position; when the trigger sensor is triggered, control the electromagnet (20) to be de-energized, and the limiting plate (7) rotates to the locked position under the action of the torsion spring (22).

4. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The trigger sensor is a push-button switch (5).

5. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The structure in which the input module (2) and the palm rest module (3) are connected to each other by magnetic components includes a first connecting plate (14) fixedly connected to the input module (2), a first magnetic plate (9) fixedly disposed on the first connecting plate (14), a second connecting plate (15) fixedly connected to the palm rest module (3), and a second magnetic plate (10) fixedly disposed on the second connecting plate (15).

6. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate unit (1) is provided with a first protective shell (11) that houses the controller (16), a second protective shell (12) that houses the circuit board (17) and the battery (18), and a third protective shell (13) that houses the wireless module (19).

7. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sides of the two side wing plates (4) are magnetically attached to the sides of the input module (2) and the palm rest module (3), respectively.

8. A variable-form input device based on origami-style geometry and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is a computer mouse. The input module (2) integrates a button area and a sensor. When the device is in the storage state, the input module (2), palm rest module (3) and side wing plate (4) are laid flat on or below the base plate unit (1) to form a sheet structure.

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