Flexible Mat Link Couplings for Thin Pointing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pointing devices, such as flexible mats and cylinders, face challenges in achieving a thin construction height while minimizing mechanical memory effects and manufacturing complexity, leading to high rejection rates and increased cost.
Innovation Solution
A link design for flexible mats and cylinders that incorporates coupling means, allowing for a thin hinge mechanism with sufficient axial stiffness and minimal tangential stiffness, eliminating play and memory effects, and enabling low-friction rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cylinder diameter is increased to provide sufficient contact area for effective cursor movement, then the usability and movement range are improved, but the construction height of the pointing device becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mat is divided into multiple segments (first flexible segment, second flexible segment) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mat to provide sufficient contact area for usability while maintaining a thin overall construction height by distributing the structural requirements across multiple rotatable segments rather than requiring a single large-diameter cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional rigid cylinder approach to a flexible mat with segments that rotate in a planar dimension. This dimensional change allows the contact surface to be distributed across multiple segments that can rotate independently, providing adequate contact area without increasing the vertical construction height.
2Length of stationary object
If a thin flexible mat is used to reduce construction height, then the device becomes thinner and more compact, but mechanical memory effects and deformation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mat is segmented into multiple rotatable segments connected through a rotation mechanism. This segmentation allows each segment to be thin while the collective structure maintains stability through the rotation joints, which prevent excessive deformation and memory effects by providing controlled movement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin flexible segments that can rotate relative to each other. These thin films maintain flexibility for a thin construction height while the rotation mechanism provides structural control to minimize memory effects and deformation, allowing the thin segments to return to their original position without permanent deformation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling means are added to connect links in the flexible mat, then the structural integrity and rotation control are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are integrated into the rotation mechanism itself, merging the connection function with the rotation function. This integration provides structural integrity and controlled rotation without adding separate complex coupling components, as the rotation mechanism's geometry inherently provides the necessary connection and constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the flexible segments, allows relative rotation between segments, provides structural integrity, and controls the movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate coupling components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Links (5a-m), preferably intended for, but not limited to, manufacturing a flexible mat (2) for use in an electronic device such as a pointing device, arranged to control the movement of a pointer/cursor on a monitor/display at, for example, a computer or similar device, and where at least one of the links (5a-m) is substantially rigid in its longitudinal direction. The at least one link (5a-m) can be consisting of, or are made of, a substantially disc-shaped material, and having a base portion (10) extending in the longitudinal/axial direction of the link (5a-m). The at least one link (5a-m) can include at least one, preferably a plurality, of coupling means (7a,b), connected to or integrated in, the base portion (10) of the link (5a-m).