Input Device Scroll Wheel Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll wheels in input devices offer only a single constant speed and resistive force, which is inadequate for varying user needs across different applications, such as gaming and document processing, as the desirable scroll speed can differ significantly depending on the application.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a rotatable scroll wheel that can be switched between free-wheeling and resistive-wheeling modes through a lever mechanism and rotary to linear motion converter, allowing users to adjust the detent force from zero to a maximum, enabling 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 structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll wheel mechanism transitions from a static single-speed design to a dynamic multi-speed design. The lever mechanism with two lever arms allows the scroll wheel to switch between first and second scrolling speeds by changing the engagement state with the arresting surface, enabling adaptation to different application requirements while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the scrolling speed parameter by modifying the mechanical engagement configuration. When the lever rotates to different positions, the first and second lever arms engage or disengage from the arresting surface at different locations, thereby changing the effective radius or gear ratio and achieving variable scrolling speeds.
2Ease of operation
If a lever mechanism with rotary to linear motion converter is added to enable mode switching, then the scrolling resistance control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's input and the scroll wheel. By rotating the lever, the user indirectly controls the engagement state of the lever arms with the arresting surface, providing intuitive control over scrolling resistance and mode switching without requiring direct manipulation of complex internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical lever mechanism. The rotary to linear motion converter transforms the lever's rotational movement into linear displacement that directly actuates the engagement/disengagement of lever arms, achieving mode switching through simple mechanical means rather than electronic actuators.
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 providing adjustable scrolling resistance, enhancing user interaction and application efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary to linear motion converter configured to convert a rotary input motion about the rotary input axis into a linear output motion along the linear output axis for moving the second free end portion of the second lever arm
Implementation Method 2
a lever which is provided with first and second lever arms and which is pivotably mounted to the housing between the first and second lever arms. The lever may be pivotable to move a first free end portion of the first lever arm to engage with or disengage from the arresting surface of the scroll wheel
Implementation Method 3
The rotary to linear motion converter may be configured to convert a rotary input motion about the rotary input axis into a linear output motion along the linear output axis for moving the second free end portion of the second lever arm so as to pivot the lever about the pivot axis
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 rotary to linear motion converter having a rotary input axis and a linear output axis. The rotary to linear motion converter may be configured to apply a linear output motion along the linear output axis, converted from a rotary input motion about the rotary input axis, to move a 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 and the arresting surface to interchange the scroll wheel between a free-wheeling and a resistive-wheeling mode.