Avionics Scroll Ring With Mechanical Sensor Eliminates EMI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical scrolling devices used in land-based applications are not suitable for avionics environments due to potential interference with navigational equipment, requiring stringent testing by the FAA before deployment.

Innovation Solution

An electro-mechanical scrolling device with a scroll ring and sensor system that generates input signals based on angular displacement, allowing for cursor control and display content scrolling without introducing electromagnetic interference, thus avoiding FAA testing requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an optical scrolling device is used, then scrolling function is achieved, but electromagnetic interference with navigational equipment occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrolling functionVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical sensor system with a mechanical sensing system. A scroll ring with mechanical teeth engages with a pinion gear that rotates a shaft connected to a mechanical sensor (such as a potentiometer). This mechanical-to-electrical conversion eliminates the optical components that cause electromagnetic interference, allowing the device to be used in avionics environments without interfering with navigational equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an optical sensor is used, then cursor control function is achieved, but stringent FAA testing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecursor control capabilityVSAvoidFAA certification status

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical sensing components for optical sensors to achieve cursor control. The mechanical pinion gear and shaft assembly with a mechanical sensor provides a proven, reliable technology that does not require FAA certification, enabling immediate deployment in avionics environments while maintaining full cursor control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical gear system is added, then electromagnetic interference is eliminated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidgear mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scrolling mechanism with the cursor control mechanism by integrating the scroll ring into the existing trackball assembly. The scroll ring shares the same housing and operational space as the trackball, and both mechanisms feed into the same mechanical sensor system, thereby reducing overall complexity despite adding mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical sensor system serves dual purposes: it detects both the rotation of the trackball for cursor positioning and the rotation of the scroll ring for scrolling operations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensing systems, offsetting the added complexity of the mechanical gear components.

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 immediate deployment in avionics environments by translating mechanical motion into electrical signals for cursor control and display content management without causing electromagnetic interference, ensuring compatibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor generates an input signal for controlling the display device as a function of angular displacement of the pinion gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular displacement sensing:

Implementation Method 2

A portion of the scroll ring is circumscribed by a ring gear that is engaged by a pinion gear attached to the sensor. As the scrolling device is rotated, the ring gear rotates, which rotates the pinion gear to drive the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear engagement: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS8902165B1Cursor control device with integrated scroll ring

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

A scrolling device is provided to scroll display content on a display device. The scrolling device includes a scroll ring with a sensor mechanically coupled to the scroll ring and adapted to generate an input signal for controlling the display device as a function of an angular displacement of the scroll ring. A portion of the scroll ring is circumscribed by a ring gear that is engaged by a pinion gear attached to the sensor. As the scrolling device is rotated, the ring gear rotates, which rotates the pinion gear to drive the sensor, which can be a potentiometer. A controller is adapted to receive the input signal from the sensor and select between predetermined segments in the display content or select between a plurality of pages of display content.