Magnetic Detent Input Wheel With Strain Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical input devices, such as mice, often experience breakdown due to mechanical parts like ratchet hubs and spring members, leading to failure over time.

Innovation Solution

An input device utilizing a wheel with ferrous or magnetic teeth and a magnet system to provide a detent action, coupled with a strain sensor to detect deformation and generate electronic signals for movement detection, allowing for touchless, efficient, and accurate encoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical parts like ratchet hubs and spring members are used to provide detent action and detect wheel movement, then the wheel can provide tactile feedback and detect movement, but the mechanical parts can breakdown over time causing failure of the input mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of input mechanismVSAvoidmechanical parts structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detection components (spring members, ratchet hubs) with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are embedded in the wheel rim, and a magnetic sensor detects changes in the magnetic field as the wheel rotates, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and wear-prone parts while maintaining movement detection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the wheel and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the wheel and sensor, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that transmits rotational information from the wheel to the magnetic sensor, reducing mechanical wear and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical parts are used to provide detent action, then tactile feedback is achieved, but the mechanical parts experience wear and breakdown over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidmechanical parts lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detent mechanisms with magnetic detent action. Magnets embedded in the wheel rim interact with a magnetic sensor to provide tactile feedback through vibration or resistance, eliminating mechanical wear while maintaining the detent effect that provides operational feedback to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the detent mechanism from mechanical contact to magnetic interaction. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical springs and ratchets, the system maintains the detent effect and tactile feedback while avoiding the wear and breakdown associated with mechanical parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a reliable and cost-effective means for detecting movement and generating signals, reducing mechanical failures and improving the durability of input devices.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet disposed to provide a first magnetic field that attracts the ferrous or magnetic material of the plurality of teeth to provide a detent action when moving the wheel from a first position to a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a magnet sheet disposed to provide a second magnetic field that causes the magnet sheet to deform based on magnetic attraction to the ferrous or magnetic material of the plurality of teeth when moving the wheel from the first position to the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a strain sensor coupled to the magnet sheet and configured to detect a strain caused by deformation of the magnet sheet, and provide an electronic signal indicating the strain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10459543B2Input device using magnetic field for input detection

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Described are examples of an input device having a wheel with a plurality of teeth, where at least the plurality of teeth are composed of a ferrous or magnetic material. A magnet is disposed to provide a first magnetic field that attracts the ferrous or magnetic material of the plurality of teeth to provide a detent action when moving the wheel from a first position to a second position. A magnet sheet is disposed to provide a second magnetic field that causes the magnet sheet to deform based on magnetic attraction to the ferrous or magnetic material of the plurality of teeth when moving the wheel from the first position to the second position. A strain sensor coupled to the magnet sheet can detect a strain caused by deformation of the magnet sheet, and provide an electronic signal indicating the strain.