Foldable Input Device With Linkage-Driven Module Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable input devices, such as wireless mice, often compromise portability and aesthetics due to permanently protruding sections that house components, affecting their usability and appearance.

Innovation Solution

A foldable input device design that allows a module to move between a recessed position in a flat configuration and a protruding position in a curved configuration, utilizing a linkage mechanism and slidable frame to enhance portability and improve optical beam incidence angle for accurate tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components are housed in permanently protruding sections, then component housing is achieved, but portability and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent housingVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing section containing the module is made dynamically movable relative to the main body through a linkage mechanism. This allows the housing to transition between protruding and retracted positions, enabling the device to adapt between portability mode (retracted) and component housing mode (protruding), thus resolving the contradiction between permanent housing and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into a main body and a separately movable housing section. This segmentation allows the housing to be independently positioned, enabling it to protrude when components need to be accessed and retract when portability is prioritized, eliminating the need for permanent protruding sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the module is retracted in flat configuration, then portability is improved, but optical beam incidence angle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidoptical tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The module's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The linkage mechanism enables the module to automatically adjust its position based on the device configuration: retracted when flat for portability, and protruding when curved for optimal optical beam incidence angle, thus maintaining both portability and tracking accuracy at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage mechanism is designed to automatically position the module at the optimal protruding position when the device is in curved configuration, without requiring manual adjustment. The mechanical design ensures the module self-adjusts to achieve the correct optical beam incidence angle for accurate tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12461607B2Foldable input device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Examples are disclosed that relate to an input device foldable between a flat orientation in which both ends of a module comprising a sensor are within the input device and a curved orientation in which one end of the module protrudes. A head portion comprises a recess containing the module. A foldable tail portion is coupled to the head portion. A slidable frame comprises an anchor portion affixed to the foldable tail portion and a connecting portion configured to slide relative to the tail portion. A linkage is affixed to the slidable frame and configured to engage and move the module relative to the head portion upon sliding of the slidable frame.