Mouse Keyplate Haptics With Preload Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic and sensing technologies in computer peripheral devices, such as computer mice, lack robust and feature-rich enhancements that improve user experience by effectively incorporating haptic feedback while maintaining ergonomic and aesthetic continuity.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse design incorporating a depressible keyplate with a haptic element, a biasing system providing a pre-loading force, and a limiter element to prevent excessive deflection, along with a flexible subchassis for efficient haptic energy transfer and ergonomic alignment, and a multi-tiered keyplate for enhanced haptic feedback modes.
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 is improved, but the keyplate may deflect excessively past its neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
A limiter element is introduced to apply preliminary counter-action against excessive keyplate deflection. This element physically constrains the keyplate's movement in the upward direction, preventing it from deflecting past its neutral position while allowing the necessary downward deflection for haptic interaction. The limiter element works in conjunction with the biasing system to maintain the keyplate within acceptable movement parameters.
2Ease of operation
If the keyplate is made depressible for haptic feedback, then user interaction is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The keyplate is designed as a separate, movable component that can be depressed independently from the housing. This segmentation allows the keyplate to provide haptic feedback through controlled deflection while the housing maintains its structural integrity. The carrier platform and biasing system support this segmented design by providing necessary mechanical support and restoring forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing system incorporates elastic elements that provide cushioning during keyplate depression. These elements absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses generated during user interaction, preventing excessive forces from compromising the structural integrity of the keyplate or housing. The biasing elements act as shock-absorbing mechanisms throughout the depression and recovery cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If a limiter element is added to prevent excessive keyplate deflection, then keyplate position control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limiter element is integrated with existing components of the mouse assembly, specifically combining it with the carrier platform and biasing system. Rather than adding a completely separate mechanism, the limiter function is merged into the existing structural framework, allowing it to work in conjunction with the biasing elements and carrier platform to achieve precise keyplate position control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 solution ensures robust haptic energy transfer, maintains ergonomic and aesthetic continuity, and provides complex haptic feedback experiences by preventing keyplate deflection beyond a predetermined position, enhancing user interaction and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The haptic element can be a piezoelectric element... generating a second haptic output that bidirectionally deflects the haptic element relative to the deflection distance thereby generating a vibrational feedback
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a computer mouse comprises a housing, a depressible keyplate disposed within the housing, a carrier platform including a top side and disposed within the housing, a haptic element coupled to a top side of the carrier platform, a biasing system configured to couple the carrier platform to the housing and provide a pre-loading force that pushes the haptic element coupled to the carrier platform against a bottom surface of the depressible keyplate, and a limiter element operable to physically limit a movable range of the keyplate in one direction that prevents a top surface of the keyplate to deflect past an adjacent top surface of the housing due to the pre-loading force, the top surface of the keyplate and the adjacent top surface of the housing forming a continuous contour when the depressible keyplate is in a non-depressed, neutral position.