Mouse Button Segmentation for Expanded Pressable Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer mice designs lack an effective way to expand the range of pressable buttons, which limits user experience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The mouse incorporates a pressure detector, top housing with specific holes and protrusions, and position limiters to allow for a larger pressable area, including a second button and position limiter configuration that enhances the usability by allowing edge region pressing to activate the pressure detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional button design is used, then the structure is simple, but the pressable area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first button is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first pressable region that directly presses the button body, and a second pressable region at the edge that presses through the side wall to activate the pressure detector. This segmentation allows different regions of the button to serve different functions, thereby expanding the effective pressable area without adding separate button components.
Solution Approach 2:
The first button serves multiple functions: it can be pressed from the top surface for standard operation, and it can also be pressed from the edge region through the side wall to activate the pressure detector. This multi-functionality allows a single button structure to provide multiple input methods, expanding the pressable area without increasing the number of button components.
2Area of moving object
If edge region pressing is enabled, then the pressable area is enlarged, but the position control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall acts as an intermediary structure that transmits the pressing force from the edge region to the pressure detector. The side wall includes a through hole positioned at the edge region, allowing the pressure to be transmitted through the side wall to activate the pressure detector. This intermediary structure enables edge pressing functionality while maintaining precise position control through the controlled geometry of the side wall and through hole.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more buttons are added, then the functionality is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first button is designed with multi-functionality, where different regions of the same button structure can activate different detection mechanisms (direct pressure detection and edge pressure detection). This allows the mouse to provide multiple input functions without adding additional button components, thereby improving functionality while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple buttons into a single button structure by enabling both top-surface pressing and edge-pressing operations on the first button. This consolidation of functions into one physical component reduces the overall space required while maintaining enhanced functionality.
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
This design increases the pressable area and improves user experience by enabling responsive operation through edge region pressing, while allowing for adjustable button range and miniaturization of components.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure detector, a top housing (120), a first button (130), a first position limiter (160), and a second position limiter (170. The top housing (120) is disposed on the pressure detector
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse includes a pressure detector, a top housing, a first button, a first position limiter, and a second position limiter. The top housing is disposed on the pressure detector and has a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole. The second hole is located between the first hole and third holes. A first button is disposed on the top housing and has a first protruding portion, a second protruding portion, and a third protruding portion protruding toward the top housing. The first, second and third protruding portions are respectively aligned with the first, second and third holes. The second protruding portion extends toward the pressure detector through the second hole. The first position limiter is connected to the first protruding portion. The second position limiter is connected to the third protruding portion. The top housing is located between the first button and the second position limiter.