Magnetic Haptic Encoder for Quiet Mouse Scroll Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mice with scroll wheels suffer from noise issues due to mechanical interactions between the scroll wheel and haptic generation devices, which degrade the user experience by introducing unwanted noise during scrolling.
Innovation Solution
A mouse with a scroll wheel coupled to a magnetic haptic encoder, featuring a grooved ferromagnetic wheel and a magnet, which provides noiseless haptic feedback by alternating magnetic attraction levels, eliminating the need for mechanical interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical haptic generation devices are used in scroll wheels, then haptic feedback is provided to the user, but noise is generated during scrolling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical haptic generation device with a magnetic haptic encoder system. Instead of using mechanical interactions between the scroll wheel and haptic elements, the invention uses magnetic fields to provide haptic feedback. The magnetic encoder detects scroll wheel rotation and generates haptic feedback through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, eliminating mechanical contact and associated noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the scroll wheel and the haptic feedback mechanism. The magnetic encoder acts as a mediator that converts mechanical rotation into magnetic field variations, which then provide haptic feedback without direct mechanical interaction. This intermediary approach allows haptic feedback while avoiding the noise generated by mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical interactions are used between scroll wheel and haptic devices, then scrolling control is achieved, but noise is introduced during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical scrolling control mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic encoder uses magnetic field interactions to detect and control scroll wheel rotation, replacing the mechanical interaction that causes noise. This allows precise scrolling control through magnetic field variations without the noise of mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic haptic encoder system is self-contained and does not require external mechanical haptic devices. The system uses the scroll wheel's own rotation to generate magnetic field variations through the magnetic encoder, which then provides haptic feedback. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical haptic components that would generate noise.
3Measurement precision
If traditional encoder mechanisms are used in scroll wheels, then rotation detection is achieved, but mechanical noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical encoder mechanisms with a magnetic field-based rotation detection system. The magnetic encoder detects scroll wheel rotation through magnetic field variations caused by the rotation, eliminating the need for mechanical contact between encoder components. This provides precise rotation detection without the mechanical noise associated with traditional encoders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary for rotation detection. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the scroll wheel and encoder components, the system uses magnetic field variations as a mediator to detect rotation. This intermediary approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the mechanical noise generated by traditional encoder mechanisms.
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 magnetic haptic encoder in the mouse provides silent operation of the scroll wheel, enhancing the user experience by reducing noise and improving the quality of scrolling interactions.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic haptic encoder in a mouse may include a grooved ferromagnetic wheel and a magnet. The grooved ferromagnetic wheel and the magnet may interact to provide a noiseless haptic feedback to a user.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic haptic encoder in a mouse may include a grooved ferromagnetic wheel and a magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse for use with an information handling system comprising a base chassis of the mouse to enclose a mouse microcontroller and a mouse power management unit (PMU) to power the mouse microcontroller, a scroll wheel to receive scrolling input from a user from scroll wheel rotation and a magnetic haptic encoder detecting scrolling input and comprising a grooved ferromagnetic wheel with alternating wheel grooved portions and wheel raised portions for rotating by a magnet such that rotation of the alternating wheel grooved portions and wheel raised portions adjacent to the magnet generate haptic feedback at the scroll wheel for the user and a top housing operatively coupled to the base chassis of the mouse to enclose the mouse.