Adjustable Computer Mouse Top Part Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional computer mice with tiltable top parts are prone to damage or unintended angle changes when forcibly tilted, as existing locking mechanisms only allow for fixed angles and can break under excessive force.

Innovation Solution

A computer mouse design featuring an adjustable top part that can be tilted to any angle within a range, utilizing a locking device that applies a circularly symmetric radially directed force and an unlocking mechanism to prevent joint rotation, allowing the top part to shift without harm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed-angle locking mechanism with teeth is used to lock the top part, then the top part can be locked at selected angles, but the mouse may break or the teeth may wear down if excessive force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism durabilityVSAvoidadjustability flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a discrete fixed-angle system to a continuous variable-angle system. The locking element can engage with the threaded joint at any position along the thread, allowing the top part to be locked at any angle within the threaded connection range, not just at predetermined discrete angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The locking element can be engaged or disengaged from the threaded joint, allowing the system to transition between locked and unlocked states. When locked, it maintains the current angle; when unlocked, it allows repositioning to any new angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a releasing agent is used to unlock the fixed-angle locking mechanism, then the top part can be repositioned, but the mechanism requires additional components and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning capabilityVSAvoidunlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element serves dual functions: it acts as both the locking mechanism and the unlocking mechanism. By simply disengaging the locking element from the threaded joint, the user can reposition the top part to any angle. The same locking element then secures the new position, eliminating the need for separate releasing agents or additional unlocking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component. It provides both the locking function (securing the top part at a desired angle) and the unlocking function (allowing the top part to be repositioned). This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for separate unlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the top part is made tiltable to any angle within a range, then ergonomic adjustment is improved, but the locking mechanism must prevent rotation while allowing repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic adjustment rangeVSAvoidjoint stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from discrete angle locking to continuous angle adjustment. The threaded joint provides a continuous range of angular positions, and the locking element can engage at any position along this continuous range, allowing precise ergonomic adjustment to any desired angle within the threaded connection limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the threaded joint that provides the continuous angular range, and the locking element that provides the stabilization function. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both continuous adjustability and stable locking at the selected position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 adjustment of the top part to any desired angle without damaging the joint, preventing unintended opening or closing and maintaining stability even when lifted.

Implementation Method 1

the friction in the locked joint is overcome, and the top part shifts from its previous angle advantageously without causing any harm to the joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2801014B1Computer mouse with adjustable top part
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 GUNNAR DROUGGE
  • EP2801014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2801014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2801014B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention refers to a computer mouse with an adjustable top part (2). The lock can be tilted around a joint (15) to a chosen rotational position. The computer mouse is equipped with a locking device (12, 13a-b, 16) which locks the top part in the chosen position and the computer mouse is equipped with an unlocking device (13a-b) which enables the locking organ to be released from the locked position. The unlocking device (13a-b) may be a pushbutton (13a) or a handle (13b). In one design of the invention the top part is kept in position by a fastener equipped with teeth (4-5), where the locking device (12, 13a) locks the teeth in a position where they are meshed to each other. In an additional design of the invention the top part is kept in position by a locking device (13b, 16) which grabs the joint so that this cannot be tilted.