Earbud Charging Case Layout for Mouse Grip and Easy Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless peripheral devices with integrated storage compartments for other devices pose accessibility challenges, such as difficulty in retrieving stored items and interference with user grip, and often require expensive components like capacitive touch sensors.
Innovation Solution
An earbud case designed with a curved top surface that integrates computer mouse functionalities, featuring a sliding lid and ergonomic design, allowing easy access to earbuds without affecting grip, and using durable, cost-effective materials for capacitive touch sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If earbuds are stored on the bottom of the mouse, then users can keep track of fewer devices, but users experience difficulty retrieving earbuds and stress when needing quick access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the earbud storage compartment from the bottom of the mouse to the top surface of the mouse, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows users to access earbuds by simply lifting the mouse slightly or opening the lid, eliminating the need to tilt or rotate the mouse as required when storage is located on the bottom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable lid that segments the top surface of the mouse into a cover and an open storage compartment. This segmentation allows the lid to be removed or opened to access earbuds while keeping the mouse functional for computer use, providing easy access without compromising mouse usability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If earbuds are stored on the side of the device, then users can keep track of fewer devices, but users experience difficulty retrieving earbuds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the storage compartment from the side of the device to the top surface, changing the access dimension. This allows users to access earbuds by lifting the mouse slightly or opening the lid, eliminating the need to tilt or rotate the mouse as required when storage is located on the side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable lid that segments the top surface of the mouse into a cover and an open storage compartment. This segmentation allows the lid to be removed or opened to access earbuds while keeping the mouse functional for computer use, providing easy access without compromising mouse usability.
3Ease of operation
If capacitive touch sensors are used for mouse functionality, then mouse operations can be performed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical sensor to detect and copy the motion of the mouse, translating physical movement into cursor movement on the screen. This optical copying method replaces the need for expensive capacitive touch sensors, achieving similar functionality at a lower manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces capacitive touch sensing with an optical sensor system that uses light to detect mouse movement. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive capacitive sensor components while maintaining the ability to perform mouse operations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An earbud case with the functionalities of a wireless computer mouse. The earbud case may include a compliant lid having a curved surface having ergonomics of a computer mouse. The earbud case may also include a body having a curved top and a flat bottom, wherein the body is divided into a first portion and a second portion located on the curved top. The first portion may include a first chamber and second chamber having electrical contacts connected to a power management sub-system, the power management sub-system to charge a first earbud when placed in the first chamber and a second earbud when placed in the second chamber. The second portion may include a first and a second mouse button. The first and second mouse buttons may be activated by compression of the compliant lid in areas above the first and second mouse buttons.