Roller Module Discontinuous Protrusion Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roller modules for input devices, such as mice, have complex mechanisms that compromise layout and yield, and typically provide only one or two tactile feels, failing to meet user requirements for convenience and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A simplified roller module design featuring a roller base with a concave region and discontinuous protrusion structures, an adjusting element with a contacting part and operating part, allowing multiple tactile feels through rotation by contacting different protrusion structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to generate multiple tactile feels, then the tactile feel variety is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feel varietyVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller element is segmented with multiple discontinuous protrusion structures (first, second, and third discontinuous protrusion structures) arranged at different circumferential positions. Each protrusion structure has a different pattern of protrusions and recesses, allowing the roller to generate multiple distinct tactile feels through a single unified structure rather than requiring multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple discontinuous protrusion structures that would traditionally require separate components are merged into a single integrated roller element. The roller element combines multiple functional features (different tactile patterns) into one component, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to provide multiple tactile feels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to generate multiple tactile feels, then the tactile feel variety is improved, but the manufacturing yield decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feel varietyVSAvoidmanufacturing yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides scrolling functionality and generates multiple different tactile feels through its integrated discontinuous protrusion structures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional separate components, thereby improving manufacturing yield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If only one or two tactile feels are provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different user requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiduser requirement coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the roller element's circumferential surface have different local qualities through the discontinuous protrusion structures. The first, second, and third discontinuous protrusion structures create distinct tactile patterns at different locations, allowing the roller to provide multiple specialized tactile feels while maintaining an overall simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The roller element dynamically transitions between different tactile feels as it rotates, with the contacting part moving across different discontinuous protrusion structures. This dynamic interaction allows a single static structure to provide multiple adaptive tactile experiences based on the roller's rotational position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 module provides a simplified structure capable of generating multiple tactile feels, enhancing user experience and meeting diverse user requirements while maintaining industrial viability.

Implementation Method 1

The contacting part is contacted with the at least one discontinuous protrusion structure, so that a rotation of the roller element results in a tactile feel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10705555B2Roller module

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

A roller module for an input module includes a roller base, a roller element and an adjusting element. The roller element is pivotally coupled to the roller base. Moreover, at least one discontinuous protrusion structure is circumferentially arranged a bottom surface of a concave region of the roller element. A contacting part of the adjusting element is contacted with the at least one discontinuous protrusion structure. Consequently, a rotation of the roller element results in a tactile feel.