Motorized Scroll Wheel With EPM Control for Smooth Document Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as computer mice, require frequent manual interaction with the scroll wheel for navigating long documents or webpages, leading to a time-consuming and uncomfortable user experience with potential jerky movements.
Innovation Solution
A motorized scroll wheel with an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) motor that automatically advances the scroll position based on user input, allowing for smooth, adjustable, and context-driven scrolling, including braking at document ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a manual scroll wheel is used for navigating long documents or webpages, then the device structure remains simple, but the user experience becomes time-consuming and uncomfortable due to frequent manual interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual scroll wheel with a motorized system. The motorized scroll wheel includes a motor assembly that automatically rotates the scroll wheel based on user input signals, eliminating the need for continuous manual rotation. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an automated motorized system directly addresses the contradiction by improving scrolling efficiency while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of motor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized scroll wheel system enables the scrolling function to serve itself by automatically executing scroll actions based on user input. Once the user provides an input signal (such as a click or gesture), the motor assembly autonomously performs the scrolling operation without requiring continuous user intervention. This self-service mechanism improves productivity by reducing the frequency and effort of manual interactions.
2Ease of operation
If manual scrolling is used, then the device consumes less energy, but the scrolling movement becomes jerky and less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scrolling with a motorized system that provides controlled, smooth rotation. The motor assembly enables precise control over the scroll wheel's movement, eliminating the jerky motion characteristic of manual scrolling. The motor can be programmed to rotate at controlled speeds and accelerations, providing a smooth scrolling experience while consuming energy only when scrolling actions are initiated, rather than requiring continuous user input.
3Speed
If the scroll wheel is motorized to advance automatically, then scrolling speed increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motorized scroll wheel system where a motor assembly replaces manual operation to achieve automated scrolling at variable speeds. The motor can be controlled to match user input speed or operate at faster predetermined speeds, directly addressing the scrolling speed requirement. While this increases manufacturing complexity compared to a simple manual wheel, the use of standardized motor components and modular design can mitigate production challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized scroll wheel system incorporates dynamic speed control capabilities, allowing the scrolling speed to be adjusted based on user input and context. The motor can operate at different speeds - matching user input speed for precision control or faster speeds for rapid navigation. This dynamic adaptability improves scrolling performance while the modular motor design helps manage manufacturing complexity through standardized components.
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
Enhances scrolling efficiency by eliminating the need for continuous manual interaction, providing smooth and context-aware scrolling with adjustable speed and torque, improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A motorized scroll wheel with an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) motor that automatically advances the scroll position
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral device may include a body. The device may include a scroll wheel rotatably coupled with the body. The scroll wheel may include a ferromagnetic rotor. The rotor may be generally annular and may define an open interior. The rotor may define a first plurality of teeth arranged about a periphery of the open interior. The device may include a stator disposed within the open interior. The stator may define a second plurality of teeth that are alignable with the first plurality of teeth. The stator may include a plurality of electro-permanent magnets. Each of the electro-permanent magnets may be disposed within a conductive coil. The device may include a position sensor that is configured to detect an angular position of the rotor. The device may include control circuitry that controls delivery of current to the electro-permanent magnets of the stator to controls a speed of the scroll wheel.