Dual-Axis Scroll Wheel Mechanism for Horizontal and Vertical Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer mice only allow vertical scrolling and do not provide an option for horizontal scrolling, limiting user interaction and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A double side-scroll mouse device with a housing unit, main button unit, and side scroll unit, featuring two rotatable scroll wheel members on different axes, allowing thumb operation for both vertical and horizontal scrolling, along with ergonomic design for comfortable access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional computer mouse with a single scroll wheel is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but only vertical scrolling is supported and horizontal scrolling functionality is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll wheel is divided into two independently rotatable scroll wheel members (first scroll wheel member and second scroll wheel member), each capable of rotating about different axes. The first scroll wheel member rotates about a first axis perpendicular to the left-right direction, while the second scroll wheel member rotates about a second axis perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the first axis, enabling independent vertical and horizontal scrolling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of scrolling capability by introducing the second scroll wheel member that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the first axis. This transforms the single-axis rotation of conventional mice into dual-axis rotation, adding horizontal scrolling functionality while maintaining the existing vertical scrolling capability through the first scroll wheel member
2Productivity
If a conventional mouse design is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the user cannot perform horizontal scrolling which limits operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Both vertical and horizontal scrolling functionalities are merged into a single mouse device through the integration of two scroll wheel members. The first scroll wheel member handles vertical scrolling while the second scroll wheel member handles horizontal scrolling, allowing users to perform both scrolling operations without switching devices or modes, thereby improving operating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mouse device achieves multi-functionality by enabling both vertical and horizontal scrolling through the dual scroll wheel member design. This universal scrolling capability allows the single mouse to perform multiple scrolling tasks that would otherwise require different input methods or devices, enhancing overall productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A double side-scroll mouse device includes a housing unit, a main button unit, and a side scroll unit. The housing unit has a lower casing and a casing side skirt. The lower casing has spaced-apart first and second lateral face portions. The casing side skirt has a first operating wall extending upwardly from one of the first and second lateral face portions, and a second operating wall portion extending upwardly from the first operating wall portion. The side scroll unit includes a first scroll wheel member that is disposed on the first operating wall portion and that is rotatable about a first axis, and a second scroll wheel member that is disposed on the second operating wall portion and that is rotatable about a second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.