Mouse Cable Winding and Connector Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices, such as computer mice, face challenges in managing cables and electrical connectors during storage and use, with existing solutions not effectively addressing the need for secure attachment and protection of fragile optical components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cable winding mechanism and attachment members, such as a male/female interlocking system or VELCRO-like fabric, to securely store and detach the electrical connector, while optionally covering the optical component window for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector is left exposed and attached to the mouse, then connectivity is maintained, but the optical component window is vulnerable to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector attachment function with the optical component window cover function into a single integrated structure. When the connector is attached to the mouse, its body simultaneously covers and protects the optical component window, eliminating the need for separate protection mechanisms and ensuring both connectivity and component protection are maintained simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the cable is left extended and loose, then ease of use is maintained, but cable tangling and damage risk increase during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cable storage compartment that is pre-configured and readily accessible within the mouse housing. This allows users to quickly wind and store the cable in its designated space without requiring separate storage actions or complex manipulation, thereby preventing tangling and damage while maintaining ease of use during both storage and retrieval operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical connector is permanently attached to the mouse, then connection stability is improved, but flexibility for disconnection and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment mechanism using an interference fit between a male component on the connector and a corresponding female component in the mouse housing. This design provides stable attachment during use through friction and geometric interlocking, while simultaneously allowing easy detachment by applying slight pulling force, thus adapting between stable connection and flexible disconnection as needed.
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
Enables convenient and secure storage of cables and connectors, protecting optical components during non-use and allowing flexible detachment for extended use, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
VELCRO-like fabric
Implementation Method 2
VELCRO-like fabric
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of portable electronic devices, such as computer mice, which have structures for temporarily storing a cable and/or electrical connector between uses. Some embodiments include structures and/or mechanisms for releasably attaching the electrical connector with a computer mouse or other peripheral device. Some embodiments may also include a storage mechanism for storing at least a portion of the cable. The storage mechanism may comprise a cable winding mechanism. Thus, the cable and electrical connector of the device may be conveniently stored for travel and/or between uses. In some embodiments designed for use in connection with optical mice, the device may also be configured such that an optical component window is covered while the cable and/or electrical connector are being temporarily stored.