Scroll Wheel Lever Mechanism for Adjustable Detent Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices with scroll wheels offer only a single constant speed and resistive force, which is inadequate for varying application needs, as desirable scroll speeds differ across gaming, document processing, and other applications.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a scroll wheel that includes a user-adjustable mechanism allowing smooth transition from a maximum detent force to zero, enabling switching between resistive-wheeling and free-wheeling modes, and adjustable detent force through a ratchet mechanism and motion converter, allowing finer control over scrolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional scroll wheel with single constant speed is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll wheel mechanism is made dynamic by introducing a lever that can pivot between different positions. The lever's first free end portion can engage with the arresting surface of the scroll wheel or disengage from it, allowing the scroll wheel to switch between resistive-wheeling mode and free-wheeling mode. This dynamic adjustment enables the same device to adapt to different application requirements without changing the basic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of resistive force by allowing the lever to engage or disengage from the arresting surface. When engaged, the scroll wheel operates in resistive-wheeling mode with higher resistive force; when disengaged, it operates in free-wheeling mode with zero or minimal resistive force. This parameter change enables adaptability to different applications while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Ease of operation
If a scroll wheel with adjustable detent force is provided, then the ease of operation for different applications is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis, making it a dynamic component that can transition between engagement and disengagement states. This dynamic design allows users to easily switch between resistive-wheeling and free-wheeling modes by simple lever movement, improving ease of operation without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's input and the scroll wheel's operation mode. By pivoting the lever, users can control whether the scroll wheel engages with the arresting surface or not, providing fine control over scrolling resistance. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user interface while enabling sophisticated operation modes.
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 optimize scrolling performance across different applications by adjusting scroll wheel resistance, improving user interaction and application efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The motion converter may be configured to convert a rotational movement of the rotary member into an output motion to move the second free end portion of the second lever arm
Implementation Method 2
The lever may be mounted on the housing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis which extends between the first and second lever arms
Implementation Method 3
The scroll wheel may include a ring portion having an arresting surface being an inner surface of the ring portion of the scroll wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An input device may include a housing, a scroll wheel having an arresting surface, and a lever pivotable about a pivot axis between first and second lever arms of the lever for moving a first free end portion of the first lever arm to engage or disengage the arresting surface. The input device may further include a motion converter in engagement with a second free end portion of a second lever arm. The motion converter configured to convert a rotational movement of a rotary member of the motion converter into an output motion to move the second free end portion of the second lever arm so as to pivot the lever about the pivot axis for engaging or disengaging the first free end portion of the first lever arm and the arresting surface of the scroll wheel.