Mouse With Electropermanent Magnet Buttons And Magnetic Scroll Wheel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling system mice face challenges in recyclability, durability of scroll wheels and input buttons, power management, audio quality during conferences, and user accessibility to KVM switches.
Innovation Solution
A mouse with a plastic chassis assembled without screws, featuring a variable magnetic scroll wheel and electropermanent magnet buttons for customizable tactile feedback, a motion power switch for efficient power use, and a keyboard with directional microphones and a touchscreen display for enhanced audio capture and KVM control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mouse is built with screws for durable construction, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to recycling complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screws and metal fasteners from the mouse construction, extracting the problematic element that hindered recyclability. The housing is assembled using ultrasonic welding or snap-fit mechanisms that allow complete disassembly and material separation for recycling while maintaining structural durability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the assembly method from mechanical (screws) to thermal (ultrasonic welding) or elastic (snap-fit). This parameter change in the joining mechanism enables both durable construction and easy recyclability, as the new methods allow for clean separation of materials without damaging components.
2Reliability
If a metal spring is used in the scroll wheel for tactile feedback, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical metal spring system with a magnetic field-based tactile feedback mechanism. Magnets embedded in the scroll wheel interact with a magnetic sensor to provide click feedback without physical contact wear, eliminating the reliability issues associated with metal spring degradation while simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction for the scroll wheel, combining ferromagnetic materials with non-magnetic structural components. This allows the creation of a durable scroll wheel that provides tactile feedback through magnetic interaction rather than mechanical spring contact, reducing wear and improving longevity.
3Reliability
If a metal spring is used in input buttons for tactile response, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to imprecise input detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spring-based button mechanisms with magnetic field interaction systems. Magnets in the button assembly interact with magnetic sensors to detect press inputs with high precision, eliminating the ambiguity and wear associated with mechanical springs while providing clear tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the button physical structure and the detection system. This magnetic intermediary provides precise, wear-free detection of button presses while maintaining the tactile feedback users expect from mechanical buttons.
4Reliability
If continuous power monitoring is implemented for motion detection, then reliability is improved, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of motion detection rather than continuous monitoring. The system checks for motion at predetermined intervals, allowing the mouse to enter low-power states between checks while still providing timely responsiveness to user actions. This periodic approach significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses passive motion detection mechanisms that do not require active power consumption for basic operation. The system leverages physical properties such as magnetic field changes or optical interruptions caused by motion, allowing the mouse to detect movement with minimal or no power while maintaining responsiveness.
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 enhances recyclability, durability, power efficiency, and audio quality while simplifying KVM switch management, providing a more intuitive user experience.
Implementation Method 1
electropermanent magnet buttons for customizable tactile feedback
Implementation Method 2
variable magnetic scroll wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system mouse has input buttons at an upper surface with selectable response to an end user press. An arrangement of magnets cooperate to establish a distance for the input button to move to complete an input at a switch to provide the end user with a selected of a spring or cantilever type of input response. For example, electropermanent magnets are configured to attract or repel a permanent magnet so that the amount of input button press motion adjusts along with the resistance against an input button press.