Mouse Device Lateral Pressure Sensing Horizontal Scrolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer mice do not allow horizontal scrolling, limiting user input options.
Innovation Solution
A mouse device with a lateral pressure sensing unit, designed for operation by a thumb, index finger, and middle finger, featuring a base unit, main button unit, and lateral pressure sensing unit, allowing intuitive horizontal scrolling through a unique arrangement of pressure regions and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional computer mouse is used with only a scroll-wheel, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot perform horizontal scrolling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral pressure sensing unit that detects pressure in the left-right direction (horizontal dimension), complementing the conventional vertical scrolling capability. This adds a new dimension of interaction, enabling horizontal scrolling through lateral pressure detection on the side surfaces of the operating portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for additional mechanical scrolling wheels or buttons with a pressure-sensitive detection system. The lateral pressure sensing unit uses force sensors to detect lateral pressure applied by the user's thumb, converting mechanical pressure directly into control signals for horizontal scrolling, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple pressure regions are added to enable horizontal scrolling, then the operational versatility improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure sensing functions into a single integrated lateral pressure sensing unit. Instead of adding separate mechanisms for horizontal scrolling, the lateral pressure sensing unit consolidates the detection of lateral pressure across different regions (front, rear, upper, lower pressing regions) into one unified sensor system, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral pressure sensing unit serves multiple functions: it detects lateral pressure for horizontal scrolling, identifies which specific pressing region is activated (front, rear, upper, or lower), and provides ergonomic feedback. This multi-functional sensor replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms.
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 ergonomic and comfortable horizontal scrolling, enhancing user experience by allowing intuitive operation and convenient use with the thumb, while providing a control signal for horizontal scrolling functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral pressure sensing unit located in the inner space and adjacent to the front pressing region, the rear pressing region, the upper pressing region and the lower pressing region and configured to be triggered upon operation by the thumb on the operating portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse device includes a lateral pressure sensing unit and a base unit having a base seat, a housing, and an inner space cooperatively defined by the base seat and the housing. The base seat is elongated in a front-rear direction, and includes a bottom face portion and an extension face portion surrounding and extending upwardly from the bottom face portion, and having spaced apart first and second lateral sections. The housing surrounds the base seat, extends upwardly from the extension face portion, and includes an operating portion extending upwardly from the first lateral section and having front, rear, upper, and lower pressing regions. The lateral pressure sensing unit is located in the inner space, is adjacent to the front, rear, upper and lower pressing regions, and is triggered upon operation on the operating portion.