Magnetic Scroll Wheel and KVM Keyboard for Wear-Free Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling system mice face issues with recyclability, durability of scroll wheels and input buttons, power management, and audio capture quality, particularly in quiet environments and during video conferences.
Innovation Solution
A mouse with a plastic chassis and magnetic scroll wheel for tactile feedback, electropermanent magnets for configurable button response, and a motion power switch for efficient power use, along with a keyboard featuring an array of microphones and AI engines for enhanced audio capture and KVM switch control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used in the scroll wheel to provide tactile feedback, then the tactile feedback is improved, but the scroll wheel wears out over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based tactile feedback system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned behind the scroll wheel to provide tactile feedback through magnetic attraction/repulsion forces, eliminating the need for physical contact between springs and the scroll wheel, thus preventing wear while maintaining tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of materials used in the scroll wheel assembly. It employs magnetic materials with specific coercivity and remanence properties to create a wear-free tactile feedback mechanism. The magnetic field strength and distribution are carefully controlled to provide appropriate tactile sensation without mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If a cantilever key plate is used for input buttons to provide greater button motion, then the button input range is improved, but the input precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cantilever key plate system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic sensors detect the position and press state of input buttons through magnetic field changes, allowing for precise detection with minimal mechanical movement, thus maintaining both ease of operation and input precision.
3Strength
If the mouse is built with screws for durable construction, then the structural strength is improved, but the recyclability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modular design where the mouse housing is divided into separate components that can be easily assembled and disassembled without screws. Snap-fit connections and interlocking plastic structures are used to maintain structural integrity while enabling straightforward separation for recycling purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes screws and other permanent fastening elements from the mouse construction. Instead, it uses removable clips, snap-fits, and friction-fit connections that allow components to be easily separated for recycling without requiring tool removal of fasteners.
4Strength
If the click buttons are made robust to withstand impact forces, then the button durability is improved, but the tactile feedback precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical click detection mechanisms with magnetic field-based detection. Magnetic sensors detect button press events through changes in magnetic field caused by the movement of magnetic components, providing precise click detection without requiring complex mechanical structures that would reduce durability.
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 enhances recyclability, provides durable and wear-resistant components, reduces power consumption, and improves audio capture by filtering out unwanted noise, offering high-quality audio and convenient KVM switch management.
Implementation Method 1
A mouse with a plastic chassis and magnetic scroll wheel for tactile feedback
Implementation Method 2
electropermanent magnets for configurable button response
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system keyboard includes an array of microphones having a defined layout that supports location of human voice sounds captured by the array of microphones to isolate voices originating from a defined distance and orientation while filtering other voices and non-voice sounds. A display included in the keyboard depicts a visual indication of voice quality that can include instructions to a speaker regarding adjustments to help obtain a desired voice capture quality to support a video or audio conference of an information handling system interfaced with the keyboard. The keyboard display also supports an interface to control a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch interfaced with the keyboard.