Roller Wheel Module with Adjustable Elastic Member for Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roller wheels in input devices, such as mice, lack the ability to switch between ratchet rotating and smooth rolling modes, limiting fast scrolling capabilities and providing an unfavorable touch feel, while metal surfaces increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A roller wheel module with a ratchet structure and an elastic member that can be adjusted between a ratchet region and a blank region, allowing users to switch between ratchet rotating and smooth rolling modes, featuring a plastic housing, weight block, and a rubber ring for enhanced touch feel, using a spring or torsion spring as the elastic member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metal material is used for the outer surface of the roller wheel to increase speed and provide favorable touch feel, then the touch feel and scrolling speed are improved, but the product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller wheel uses a composite structure combining plastic material with a rubber ring. The plastic housing provides structural integrity while the rubber ring (made of elastic material) provides the necessary friction and touch feel, achieving a cost-effective alternative to full metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire roller wheel surface metal, the patent applies rubber material locally only where needed for touch feel and friction (the outer surface layer), while the internal structure remains plastic. This localized material application reduces cost while maintaining performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed roller wheel structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the user cannot switch between ratchet rotating mode and smooth rolling mode
Solution Approach 1:
The roller wheel incorporates a movable elastic member (spring) that can dynamically change its position between two states: leaning against the ratchet structure to enable ratchet mode, or leaning against the configuration surface to enable smooth rolling mode. This dynamic adjustment allows mode switching without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically adjusts its position based on the operational requirements. When the user needs ratchet mode, the spring naturally leans against the ratchet structure; when smooth rolling is needed, it shifts to lean against the configuration surface. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pivot arm mechanism is used to switch between modes, then the mode switching is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pivot arm mechanism from the design. Instead, it uses a simple elastic member (spring) that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the roller wheel structure, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture over the use of more complex, expensive pivot arm mechanisms.
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 users to quickly scroll and experience a favorable touch feel by switching between modes, reducing costs through the use of plastic and metal components, and simplifying manufacturing with an elastic member instead of a pivot arm mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member includes a spring or a torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member includes a spring or a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
a rubber ring sleeved on the peripheral surface of the plastic housing
Data Source
AI summary
A roller wheel module includes a roller wheel, an elastic member, and an adjustment assembly. The roller wheel includes a ratchet structure and has a configuration surface. The configuration surface is divided into a blank region and a ratchet region. The ratchet structure is disposed on the configuration surface and is located in the ratchet region. The elastic member is disposed next to the roller wheel and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end of the elastic member is connected to the adjustment assembly, and the adjustment assembly drives the second end of the elastic member to move between the blank region and the ratchet region. The roller wheel module allows the user to switch between a ratchet rotating mode and a smooth rolling mode according to requirements, and allows the user to quickly scrolling and have a better touch feel.