Wireless Mouse Power Switching for Cable-Free Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless peripheral devices, such as computer mice, face challenges with battery life and require cumbersome charging cables, adding manufacturing cost and weight, which is undesirable in high-end gaming devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer mouse design featuring a housing with a removable charge storage device, a power interface for wireless charging, and a multiplexor to manage power sources, allowing selection between internal and external power sources, including a wireless charging pad, to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery and charging cable are used, then the device can be recharged, but the device weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rechargeable battery and charging cable from the device, extracting the power storage and wired charging components that add weight. Instead, the device uses a lightweight disposable battery combined with wireless charging technology, eliminating the need for heavy rechargeable battery packs and cable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based charging system with wireless charging technology. The wireless charging interface uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power without physical cable connections, eliminating the need for heavy charging cables and complex mechanical connectors while maintaining charging functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery and charging cable are used, then the device can be recharged, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive rechargeable battery and cable infrastructure from the device. By using disposable batteries and wireless charging, the device eliminates costly components such as rechargeable battery cells, charging ports, and cable connectors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to recharge through wireless technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable batteries instead of expensive rechargeable batteries. These disposable batteries are cheaper to manufacture and replace, reducing the overall cost of the power supply system. Combined with wireless charging, this approach eliminates the need for expensive rechargeable battery infrastructure while maintaining continuous operation capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a wired cable is used for charging, then the device can be recharged, but the wireless convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based charging system with wireless charging technology. The wireless charging interface uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power without physical cable connections, eliminating the need for plugging and unplugging cables. This maintains the wireless convenience of the device while enabling recharging functionality through contactless power transfer.
4Weight of moving object
If the device is made lightweight by removing battery components, then portability improves, but power supply continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous power supply by combining disposable batteries with wireless charging technology. The disposable batteries provide immediate power, and when the device is placed on a wireless charging surface, power is continuously transferred via electromagnetic fields. This dual approach maintains uninterrupted operation while keeping the device lightweight, as the batteries can be easily replaced and wireless charging provides ongoing power top-up.
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
This design provides a lightweight, cost-effective solution by allowing the use of removable batteries and wireless charging, extending battery life and reducing device weight, while ensuring continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The external power source can be a charging mouse pad configured to wirelessly provide power to the interface via electromagnetic induction when the computer mouse is placed on or near the charging mouse pad
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises: determining whether an external wireless power (EWP) source is coupled to an interface configured to transfer power from the EWP source to the power management (PM) system; selecting the EWP to power the computer mouse when the EWP source is electrically couples and provides power to the interface; determining whether a fixed internal power source (PS) is coupled to the PM system; selecting a fixed internal PS to power the computer mouse when the fixed internal PS is coupled to the PM system and the EWP source is coupled to but not providing enough power to the interface; determining whether a removeable internal PS is electrically coupled to a PM system in the computer mouse; and selecting the removeable internal PS to power the computer mouse when the removeable internal PS is electrically coupled to the PM system and the EPS is not coupled to the interface.