Scroll Wheel Haptic Assembly for Variable Motion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll wheels in input devices provide a single constant speed and resistive force, which is insufficient for optimizing performance across different applications, as desirable scroll speeds vary depending on the application type.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a ring-shaped scroll wheel and an integrated haptic unit that includes a variable motion-resistance component, allowing the haptic behavior to be customized through an input control signal, enabling different haptic patterns and modes such as free-wheeling, resistive-wheeling, or variable force scrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional scroll wheel with single constant speed is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll wheel system transitions from a static, fixed-speed mechanism to a dynamic, variable-speed system. The variable motion-resistance component allows the scroll wheel to adjust its rotational characteristics in real-time based on application requirements, enabling modes such as free-wheeling, resistive-wheeling, and variable force scrolling through dynamic control of motion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the motion resistance parameter of the scroll wheel based on input control signals. By varying the motion resistance parameter, the scroll wheel can provide different scrolling speeds and forces suitable for different applications, such as gaming versus document processing, without requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If a single level of resistive force is provided, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation for different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive force characteristic of the scroll wheel changes from static to dynamic. The variable motion-resistance component enables real-time adjustment of resistive force levels, allowing users to experience different tactile feedback and scrolling resistance appropriate for different tasks, enhancing operational ease across diverse applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion resistance parameter is dynamically adjusted based on control signals to provide optimal resistive force for different applications. This parameter change enables the scroll wheel to offer light resistance for rapid scrolling in gaming and heavier resistance for precise scrolling in document processing, improving ease of operation without manual reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If a conventional scroll wheel is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity for optimizing application performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through encoders that detect the rotational position and motion of the scroll wheel. This feedback is processed to determine the appropriate motion resistance level, enabling the system to automatically adjust and optimize scrolling performance for different applications, thereby enhancing productivity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The scroll wheel system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting its motion resistance based on detected usage patterns and application context. The integrated haptic unit and encoder work together to enable the system to self-regulate scrolling characteristics without requiring manual intervention, improving productivity through autonomous performance optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device including a housing, a ring-shaped scroll wheel, and an integrated haptic unit inserted through the scroll wheel. The integrated haptic unit includes a bridging structure and a variable motion-resistance component coupled thereto. The variable motion-resistance component having a cylindrical body rotatable relative to the bridging structure. The scroll wheel being fixedly attached to the cylindrical body in a coaxial manner. The variable motion-resistance component being configured to vary a motion-resistance profile against a relative rotation motion between the cylindrical body and the bridging structure for defining a haptic behavior of the scroll wheel. The integrated haptic unit includes an inbuilt encoder to convert relative motion between the cylindrical body and the bridging structure as an output signal. The integrated haptic unit being mounted to the housing in a manner so as to suspend the integrated haptic unit and the scroll wheel from a portion of the housing.