Detachable Ball Support Structure for Repairable Computer Mice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mice require replacement when detection shafts or ball bearings are damaged or worn out, which is not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A mouse design with a detachable support member for the ball body, allowing easy replacement of worn-out components using a detaching jig, and a replacement support kit that includes support members and a detaching tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mouse uses integrated detection shafts and ball bearings, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the entire mouse must be replaced when components wear out, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse is divided into functional modules: the ball body, support members, detection shafts, and housing are separable components. The support members can be independently replaced from the main mouse body, allowing selective replacement of worn components rather than replacing the entire mouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are extracted as replaceable components that can be removed and replaced independently. The patent provides a replacement support kit that contains only the support members, separating the wear-prone components from the main mouse body for cost-effective maintenance.
2Ease of repair
If the support member is made detachable, then component replacement becomes possible, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are nested within the mouse housing and can be accessed through openings in the housing. The ball body rests on the support members, creating a nested arrangement where components are contained within each other but can be independently accessed and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouse design allows users to perform their own maintenance by replacing support members using simple tools or even by hand. The replacement process is designed to be user-friendly, eliminating the need for professional repair services and enabling self-maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ball body is fully enclosed in the receiving recess, then the structure is compact, but access for replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving recess is designed with asymmetric features: the ball body is partially received within the recess while protruding through an opening in the housing. This asymmetric arrangement provides both secure retention of the ball body and easy access for replacement through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are pre-positioned within the housing to support the ball body. The housing structure is pre-configured with openings and support member positions that facilitate future replacement operations, eliminating the need for complex disassembly during maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a mouse including: a ball body; and a mouse body including a receiving part in which the ball body having a spherical shape is rollably received. The receiving part includes: a receiving recess part opening outward and formed to be recessed inward to receive the ball body therein; and a support member disposed on the receiving recess part for supporting the ball body received in the receiving recess part, and the support member is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the receiving recess part.