Mouse Adapter with Optical Base and Charging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer mice are often too thin and non-ergonomic, causing user discomfort, and wireless mice with underside charging ports can be difficult to charge.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse adaptor with a base that includes an optical system to maintain mouse functionality and a charging system to facilitate convenient charging, either through wired or wireless means, allowing the mouse to be used and charged simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a computer mouse is made thin and compact, then portability and sleek design are improved, but ergonomics and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mouse system is divided into two segments: the original thin mouse and a separate base unit. The base provides ergonomic support and additional functionality, while the mouse remains compact and portable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic support for the mouse, houses the optical system for tracking, and includes charging capabilities. This multi-functionality consolidates several features into a single component, reducing the need for a larger mouse design.
2Device complexity
If the charging port is located on the underside of the mouse, then the design is simplified, but charging convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base acts as an intermediary between the power source and the mouse. It contains the charging port and electrical connections, mediating the charging process. The user charges the base instead of directly charging the mouse, which eliminates the need to access the underside of the mouse for charging.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of charging the mouse directly through its underside port, the system inverts the charging approach by having the base provide power to the mouse through contact points. The base becomes the charged component that then charges the mouse, reversing the traditional charging hierarchy.
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical system components are separated, then manufacturing and alignment are simplified, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system components (light source, sensor, lenses) are extracted from the mouse body and relocated to the base unit. This extraction simplifies the mouse design and manufacturing, while the base serves as a dedicated housing for these components, making assembly and alignment easier in a separate manufacturing process.
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 adaptor improves ergonomics and convenience by enabling comfortable use and charging of the mouse without needing to flip it over or remove it from the base, enhancing user experience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The optical device of the base may include one or more mirrors aligned to reflect light from the light source to the surface which then reflects to the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
The optical device of the base may include one or more optical lenses aligned with the optical sensor while the computer mouse is held by the base
Data Source
AI summary
The computer mouse adaptor holds a computer mouse thereon. The computer mouse includes an optical system to detect relative movement over a surface. The computer mouse adaptor includes a base to hold the computer mouse thereon. The base includes an optical device to interface with the optical system of the computer mouse and allow the computer mouse to provide its functionality while being held by the base. A charging system may be included to couple the charging interface of the computer mouse to a power source.