Dual Wheel Mouse Module for Multi-Directional Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mice with single wheels have limited operational functions, necessitating additional function keys that complicate user interaction and reduce convenience.

Innovation Solution

A mouse design featuring a double wheel module with coaxially disposed first and second wheels, connected by an axle assembly, allowing independent operation and enhanced functionality without additional keys, utilizing a bearing or self-lubricating materials for smooth spinning and intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional function keys are added to provide more functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single wheel to perform multiple functions through different rolling directions (forward, backward, lateral) and combinations with button presses. The wheel serves as both a scrolling mechanism and a function selection interface, eliminating the need for separate function keys while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the scrolling function and function selection into a single wheel component. By combining rotational movement in multiple directions with button press combinations, the design consolidates what would traditionally require separate keys and wheel mechanisms into one integrated control element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional function keys are added to provide more functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality where the single wheel and button combination can execute multiple functions through different operational modes (forward roll, backward roll, lateral roll, combined rolls). This eliminates the need for additional function keys and reduces structural complexity while maintaining versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the functional capabilities into different rolling directions and combinations rather than using separate physical keys. The wheel's rotational freedom is divided into distinct motion patterns (forward, backward, lateral) that correspond to different functions, achieving versatility through motion segmentation rather than component multiplication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The double wheel module provides diversified operational functions, such as screen navigation and volume adjustment, enabling easy and intuitive user interaction with improved maneuverability and reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The axle connecting assembly is a bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The axle connecting assembly is a bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 3

The axle connecting assembly is a self-lubricating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 4

The axle connecting assembly is a self-lubricating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperlubricity: Superlubricity

Data Source

PatentUS11372485B2Mouse
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11372485B2 patent drawing
  • US11372485B2 patent drawing
  • US11372485B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mouse, including a mouse body and a wheel module, is provided. The wheel module includes a first wheel, a second wheel and an axle connecting assembly. The first wheel has a first axle portion, the second wheel has a second axle portion, and the first wheel and the second wheel are respectively rotatably disposed on the mouse body along a same axis of rotation by the first axle portion and the second axle portion. The axle connecting assembly is connected to and in between the first axle portion and the second axle portion, and the first axle portion and the second axle portion rotate relative to each other by the axle connecting assembly.