Adjustable Click Force Mouse Using Electromagnet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of conventional mice, including gaming mice, cannot adjust the click force to suit different gaming scenarios, leading to issues like accidental clicks and varying tactile feels that do not match personal preferences.

Innovation Solution

An input device with a depressible button and magnetic components, where at least one of the magnetic components is an electromagnet, allowing for adjustable click force and rebound force customization via control information from a computing device, enabling users to adjust the tactile feel and click frequency through software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the click force is kept low for fast clicking during heated games, then the click frequency increases, but accidental clicks occur more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclick frequencyVSAvoidaccidental clicks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic click force adjustment by incorporating an electromagnet that can be controlled to provide variable magnetic resistance. The click force is no longer fixed but can be dynamically adjusted based on user needs, allowing the system to adapt between low force for rapid clicking and high force for preventing accidental clicks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of click force by introducing an electromagnet that generates magnetic field strength which can be varied. By adjusting the current to the electromagnet, the magnetic resistance opposing button depression changes, thereby altering the click force parameter to suit different gaming scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the click force is kept high to prevent accidental clicks, then the reliability increases, but the click frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental clicksVSAvoidclick frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static click force mechanism to a dynamic one where the electromagnet can be activated or deactivated, and its strength adjusted. This allows the click force to be high when needed for reliability and low when rapid clicking is required, with smooth transitions between states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the click force parameter by controlling the electromagnet's magnetic field strength. When high reliability is needed, the electromagnet provides strong magnetic resistance; when high productivity is needed, the magnetic resistance is reduced, enabling rapid button presses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mouse comes with a fixed click force, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different gaming scenarios is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegaming scenariosVSAvoidclick force adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical click force adjustment mechanisms (such as springs, washers, or adjustable tension systems) with an electromagnet-based magnetic field system. This substitution allows for electronic control of click force through software, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it provides the primary click force resistance, enables adjustable click force levels, and can be controlled via software interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical adjustment components, simplifying the overall device while increasing versatility across different gaming scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to customize click force and rebound force to prevent accidental clicks and match gaming needs, providing a customizable tactile experience that enhances gaming performance by allowing higher click frequency and lower latency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component includes an electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a first magnetic component coupled to the depressible button and configured to move at least substantially along an axis when the depressible button is depressed; a second magnetic component coupled to the lower portion at least substantially at the axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10592009B2Input devices, methods for controlling an input device, and computer readable media

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an input device may be provided. The input device may include: a housing with a lower portion and an upper portion; a depressible button provided in the upper portion; a first magnetic component coupled to the depressible button and configured to move at least substantially along an axis when the depressible button is depressed; a second magnetic component coupled to the lower portion at least substantially at the axis, wherein at least one of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component includes an electromagnet; an interface configured to receive control information from a computing device external to the input device; and a control circuit configured to control the electromagnet based on the control information.