Optical Mouse Wheel Encoder with Segmented Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouse wheel devices using mechanical encoders are costly and inflexible, limiting customization and increasing manufacturing complexity, while optical grating encoders face challenges in design and illumination functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wheel device for mice incorporating a base, wheel module, sheltering component, and optical detecting module with alternately disposed light sheltering and penetrating areas, allowing for low-cost, customizable optical grating structure design that can match high-cost rollers with various mouse functions, utilizing a transparent wheel and light emitting component for efficient optical signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical encoder is used in the mouse wheel device, then the structure is simple and hand feeling is specific, but the manufacturing cost is high and customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical encoder is divided into independent modular components: the optical grating structure (with customizable patterns), the light source module, and the detector module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and customized independently, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining flexibility for different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customization by changing parameters of the optical grating structure, such as the number of grating lines, grating pitch, and pattern geometry. These parameter variations allow the same basic optical encoder design to be adapted for different precision requirements and application scenarios without redesigning the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical grating encoder is used, then customization capability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal optical encoder platform where the same basic structure can serve multiple functions by changing the optical grating pattern. The modular design allows the encoder to be used in different mouse types (gaming, office, ergonomic) and can be adapted for various detection precision requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing unique optical gratings for each application, the patent uses a standardized optical encoder framework that can be replicated with different grating parameters. The modular components can be copied and reused across different product lines, reducing design complexity and manufacturing difficulty while maintaining customization capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical encoder design is used, then detection function is achieved, but illumination functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and detection function into a single integrated optical encoder module. The light source and detector are positioned in close proximity within the same module, allowing the encoder to provide both directional illumination (improving visibility in dark environments) and accurate rotary detection simultaneously, without compromising either function.
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 high-level customization of optical grating structures, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the detection of rotary information with improved illumination functionality, making the wheel device suitable for a range of mouse applications.
Implementation Method 1
The optical emitter is disposed on a first side of the wheel module and adapted to emit an optical signal. The optical receiver is disposed on a second side of the wheel module opposite to the first side, and adapted to receive the optical signal passing through the wheel module and the plurality of light penetrating areas on the sheltering component.
Implementation Method 2
At least a part of the illumination beam passes through the transparent wheel via reflection of the light guiding surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel device applied to a mouse includes a base, a wheel module, a sheltering component and an optical detecting module. The base has a holder. The wheel module is disposed on the base and includes a roller and a wheel. The roller includes a rolling surface, an axle and a plurality of rib structures. The axle is rotatably disposed on the holder in an axle direction. The rib structures are disposed inside the rolling surface. The wheel is disposed on the rolling surface of the roller. The sheltering component includes light sheltering areas and light penetrating areas disposed on the roller or the wheel and around the axle direction. Each light sheltering area is perpendicular to the axle. The optical detecting module has an optical emitter and an optical receiver. The optical receiver is adapted to receive an optical signal emitted by the optical emitter.