Input Device Silicone Aperture Pattern for Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with slippery surfaces, such as glass or glass-like materials, face challenges in maintaining input devices in place without excessive force, as they tend to move inadvertently due to insufficient coefficient of friction (CoF).
Innovation Solution
An input device with a silicone bottom surface patterned with a plurality of apertures, laser etched to achieve a desired CoF range of 2.0-4.0, is designed to prevent inadvertent movement while allowing easy repositioning, using a grid-like pattern or concentric areas with different laser patterning to enhance friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input device is placed on a slippery glass surface, then the device can be easily repositioned, but the device moves inadvertently due to insufficient friction
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface of the input device incorporates a silicone layer with a pattern of apertures (porous structure) that increases the coefficient of friction between the device and the display surface. The porous silicone material allows the device to maintain stability and prevent inadvertent movement while still enabling easy repositioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coefficient of friction is optimized to a specific range (2.0-4.0) through the aperture pattern design. This parameter optimization ensures the device remains stationary during normal use but can be easily moved when deliberate force is applied, resolving the contradiction between stability and repositionability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bottom surface is made of smooth silicone, then the device can be easily manufactured, but the coefficient of friction is insufficient to prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using smooth silicone, the invention employs silicone with a pattern of apertures. This porous structure significantly increases the coefficient of friction while still allowing for relatively simple manufacturing through techniques like laser etching or molding, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving friction characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional smooth surface to a three-dimensional porous structure with apertures. This dimensional change increases the surface area and mechanical interlocking capability, thereby enhancing friction without complicating the manufacturing process excessively.
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 input device effectively remains stationary on the display surface and can be easily moved without excessive force, providing a stable interaction interface by achieving a CoF within the desired range, enhancing user experience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pattern of a plurality of apertures laser etched to provide a desired CoF range of 2.0-4.0
Implementation Method 2
a pattern of a plurality of apertures to provide a desired coefficient of friction (CoF)... to prevent inadvertent movement
Data Source
AI summary
Described are examples of an input device for use with a computing device. The input device includes a body having a plurality of surfaces, where the plurality of surfaces include a bottom surface composed of silicone and having a pattern of a plurality of apertures to provide a desired coefficient of friction.