Haptic Mouse Keyplate Limiter for Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer peripheral devices lack robust and feature-rich haptic and sensing technologies to enhance user experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse design incorporating a housing, a depressible keyplate, a carrier platform, a haptic element, a biasing system, and a limiter element, which provides a pre-loading force and limits the movable range of the keyplate to prevent it from extending past a predetermined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-loading force is applied to push the haptic element against the keyplate, then haptic energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the keyplate may deflect past its neutral position creating a discontinuous contour
Solution Approach 1:
A limiter element is introduced as an intermediary component between the keyplate and housing. This limiter element physically prevents the keyplate from deflecting past its neutral position while allowing the pre-loading force to be applied through the biasing element, thus maintaining both haptic energy transfer efficiency and surface continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiter element provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the keyplate from exceeding its neutral position before any harmful deflection can occur. This stopper mechanism counteracts the potential harmful effect of excessive keyplate deflection while allowing the beneficial pre-loading force to be applied.
2Ease of operation
If the keyplate is allowed to move freely within a range, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of the neutral position alignment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic movement freedom within a controlled range through the biasing element and limiter element combination. The keyplate can move freely within the elastic range of the biasing element but is dynamically constrained by the limiter element at the neutral position, achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiter element is pre-positioned to define the neutral position alignment before the keyplate is actuated. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the keyplate returns to its neutral position after actuation, it aligns precisely with the housing surface, maintaining manufacturing precision while allowing operational freedom during use.
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 design ensures efficient transfer of haptic energy while maintaining ergonomic and aesthetic continuity, enhancing user experience with robust haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element that compresses when the mechanical faster is coupled to the housing... A combination of the biasing element and mechanical fastener can provide the pre-loading force that pushes the haptic element against the bottom surface of the depressible keyplate... The biasing element (e.g., a mechanical spring) can provide a restoring force that causes the combination of the keyplate, haptic element, and carrier to move from any depressed position of the movable range back to the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a computer mouse includes a housing, a depressible keyplate, and a haptic element coupled to a bottom surface of the depressible keyplate. The haptic element can be configured to operate in a plurality of modes of operation including a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode of operation, the haptic element can generate a haptic output that statically and unidirectionally deflects and holds the haptic element and coupled keyplate at a deflection distance. In the second mode of operation, the haptic element can generate a second haptic output that bidirectionally deflects the haptic element relative to the deflection distance thereby generating a vibrational feedback that is superimposed on the unidirectional deflection at the deflection distance. In some aspects, the haptic element is a piezoelectric device and the control signal is a voltage applied to the haptic element.