Gimballed Scroll Wheel Integrating Mechanical Switch and Touch Pad

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable computing devices face challenges in increasing functionality while minimizing size, requiring compact input device configurations that can control various functions efficiently and provide tactile feedback.

Innovation Solution

Combining a movement detector, such as a mechanical switch, with a position indicator, like a touch pad or touch screen, to generate a single command, allowing for increased operational control and tactile feedback through a platform that can be depressed or tilted, thereby reducing the number of mechanical components and space required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate input devices are used to control different functions, then the operational control and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and space required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational controlVSAvoidnumber of mechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a movement detector and a position indicator into a single integrated input device. The movement detector (such as a mechanical switch) is positioned beneath a platform that includes or is coupled with a position indicator (such as a touch pad or touch screen). This merging allows the device to detect both the position and movement state simultaneously, providing multiple functions through a single integrated component rather than requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated input device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect position through the position indicator, detect movement through the movement detector, and generate different commands based on the combination of these inputs. The platform can be used both as a touch-sensitive surface for position input and as a mechanical element that triggers movement detection, making it a universal input mechanism that replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate input devices are used to control different functions, then the operational control is improved, but the space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational controlVSAvoidspace required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a movement detector and a position indicator into a single integrated input device. The movement detector (such as a mechanical switch) is positioned beneath a platform that includes or is coupled with a position indicator (such as a touch pad or touch screen). This merging allows the device to detect both the position and movement state simultaneously, providing multiple functions through a single integrated component rather than requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movement detector is nested beneath the platform that includes the position indicator. This nested configuration allows the movement detector to be housed within the same spatial footprint as the position indicator, effectively stacking functions vertically rather than requiring horizontal space for separate devices. The platform serves as both the interface for position input and the structural element that enables movement detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of functions in portable devices is increased, then the operational capability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a movement detector and a position indicator into a single integrated input device. The movement detector (such as a mechanical switch) is positioned beneath a platform that includes or is coupled with a position indicator (such as a touch pad or touch screen). This merging allows the device to detect both the position and movement state simultaneously, providing multiple functions through a single integrated component rather than requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated input device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect position through the position indicator, detect movement through the movement detector, and generate different commands based on the combination of these inputs. The platform can be used both as a touch-sensitive surface for position input and as a mechanical element that triggers movement detection, making it a universal input mechanism that replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10180732B2Gimballed scroll wheel

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 APPLE INC

AI summary

An input device that includes both a movement detector, such as mechanical switch, and positional indicator, such as touch pad touch screen, and/or touch sensing housing is disclosed. These two input devices can be used substantially simultaneously to provide a command to the device. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing a moveable member in different areas and a single moveable member can perform like several buttons.