Modular Computer Mouse With Interchangeable Case Modules

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer mouse designs require multiple models to accommodate different ergonomic shapes and functionalities, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and user flexibility, as well as safety concerns when swapping internal components.

Innovation Solution

A modular system where the expensive core module houses the sensor, microcontroller, and RF modules, allowing interchangeable case modules with varying designs, buttons, and features, connected via a specialized connector for power and input/output functionality, enabling users to customize their mouse without exposing internal circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturers produce multiple mouse models with different shapes and functionalities, then user ergonomic preferences and functionality requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ergonomic preferences and functionality requirementsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mouse is divided into two main segments: a common base unit containing all expensive internal components (sensor, microcontroller, wireless transmission component) and interchangeable outer shells or add-on modules that provide different ergonomic shapes and functionalities. This segmentation allows the base unit to be manufactured once and reused across multiple configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability to user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal base unit is designed that can accommodate multiple types of outer shells and add-on modules through standardized interfaces. This universal design enables a single base unit to serve multiple functions and configurations, allowing users to customize their mouse experience without requiring manufacturers to produce entirely separate models for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturers produce multiple mouse models with different shapes and functionalities, then user ergonomic preferences and functionality requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ergonomic preferences and functionality requirementsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mouse is divided into two main segments: a common base unit containing all expensive internal components (sensor, microcontroller, wireless transmission component) and interchangeable outer shells or add-on modules that provide different ergonomic shapes and functionalities. This segmentation allows the base unit to be manufactured once and reused across multiple configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability to user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal base unit is designed that can accommodate multiple types of outer shells and add-on modules through standardized interfaces. This universal design enables a single base unit to serve multiple functions and configurations, allowing users to customize their mouse experience without requiring manufacturers to produce entirely separate models for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users can swap internal components to customize mouse functionality, then customization flexibility is improved, but risk of accidental damage to internal circuitry increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidrisk of accidental damage to internal circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mouse is divided into two main segments: a common base unit containing all expensive internal components (sensor, microcontroller, wireless transmission component) and interchangeable outer shells or add-on modules that provide different ergonomic shapes and functionalities. This segmentation allows the base unit to be manufactured once and reused across multiple configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability to user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized interface or connector acts as an intermediary between the base unit and interchangeable modules. This intermediary mechanism provides a controlled connection point that allows users to safely attach and detach modules without exposing them to internal circuitry, enabling customization while protecting sensitive components from accidental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8692771B2Modular computer mouse

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 RAZER ASIA PACIFIC

AI summary

A system and method are disclosed for providing a modular user input device such as a computer mouse. A core module can house the sensor, microcontroller and RF modules (if any). It may or may not also house the microswitches and scroll wheel. The core module includes a case module connector that will allow it to accept mouse button inputs from an interchangeable case module, power from a battery pack (if required for wireless operation) and control lights or any other input/output features on the mouse itself. The core module can also accept the connection to the host computer, either through the case module connector or directly via USB or similar industry standard connector.