Variable Magnetic Scroll Wheel Tactile Feedback Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling system mice face challenges in recyclability, durability of scroll wheels and input buttons, power management, audio quality during conferences, and user accessibility to KVM switches.
Innovation Solution
A mouse design featuring a plastic chassis without screws, a variable magnetic scroll wheel for tactile feedback, electropermanent magnets for configurable button response, a motion power switch for efficient power use, and a keyboard with directional microphones and a touchscreen display for enhanced audio capture and KVM 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 response is improved, but the durability deteriorates due to wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field system. Magnets are positioned beneath the scroll wheel to create magnetic attraction forces that provide tactile feedback without physical contact or wear. The scroll wheel features ferromagnetic elements that interact with the magnets, creating tactile response through magnetic forces rather than mechanical spring compression, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the magnetic field strength at different positions around the scroll wheel circumference to create differentiated tactile feedback. By adjusting the magnetic attraction parameters at different angular positions, the system provides enhanced tactile response during scrolling operations without the wear associated with mechanical springs.
2Strength
If screws are used to assemble the mouse housing and components, then the structural strength is improved, but the recyclability deteriorates due to difficulty in disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mouse housing into modular sections that can be separated without screws. The housing is designed with snap-fit joints, friction-fit interfaces, or interlocking plastic features that allow components to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly. This segmentation enables easy separation of the housing into recyclable portions while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical screw fastening with alternative joining methods such as ultrasonic welding, heat staking, or interference-fit plastic joints. These methods provide sufficient structural strength for normal use while allowing for easier separation and recycling compared to screw assemblies, which require removal and can damage the plastic components during disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If the mouse is kept in a powered-on state for quick response, then the responsiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic motion detection to determine when the mouse should be powered on or off. A low-power motion sensor periodically checks for movement, and when motion is detected, the full mouse electronics are activated. This periodic monitoring approach allows the mouse to consume minimal power during idle periods while still providing quick response when the user actually uses the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic power management that adjusts the operational state of the mouse based on detected usage patterns. The system transitions between different power states (fully on, low-power standby, fully off) depending on motion detection and usage history, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and power consumption by adapting its operational characteristics to actual user needs.
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, durability, power efficiency, and audio quality while improving user accessibility to KVM functions, providing a more intuitive and efficient interaction experience.
Implementation Method 1
variable magnetic attraction is applied to a wheel having spikes and valleys that rotate with the scroll wheel so that a magnetic focus lens directs the magnetic force to vary the magnetic attraction
Implementation Method 2
electropermanent magnets for configurable button response
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system mouse has a variable speed scroll wheel with magnetic tactile response. A ferromagnetic wheel coupled to the scroll wheel and having spikes and valleys interacts with a magnetic field of magnet as the scroll wheel rotates to resist rotation in variable amounts. The magnetic field is selectively removed to reduce the tactile response, such as by disengaging a magnet from a magnetic focus lens that directs the magnetic field, moving an opposing magnet into contact with the magnetic focus lens that cancels the magnetic field and moving the magnet away from the ferromagnetic wheel.