Socket Mechanism for Recessed Trackball Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact size of handheld communication devices limits the exterior surface area for user input and navigation tools, leading to interference between keyboards and trackballs, and reduced key sizes, which compromises usability and navigation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A socket mechanism for mounting a trackball assembly on a printed circuit board, allowing for a thinner profile and reduced depth, enabling larger keys and improved navigation without obstructing the display screen, using biased electrical interconnectors and optional stiffeners, and a hinged door for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trackball assembly is mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board, then navigation functionality is provided, but the device profile becomes thicker and space for keyboard keys is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The socket allows the trackball assembly to be nested within a recess in the printed circuit board, with the ball portion protruding only slightly from the board surface while the mechanism housing is recessed into the board, achieving a thin profile while maintaining navigation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The socket extends in the vertical dimension through the printed circuit board, allowing the trackball assembly to be mounted from the opposite side, thereby reducing the horizontal space required and enabling a thinner overall device profile
2Ease of operation
If a trackball assembly is mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board, then navigation functionality is provided, but the available space for keyboard keys is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the trackball mechanism housing within a recess in the printed circuit board, the horizontal footprint of the navigation device is minimized, allowing keyboard keys to occupy more of the available surface area while the trackball assembly is accommodated in the vertical space within the recess
3Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to fit in pocket or palm, then portability is improved, but the exterior surface area for user input is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The socket utilizes the vertical dimension by extending through the printed circuit board and allowing the trackball assembly to be mounted from the opposite side, thereby conserving horizontal surface area for keyboard keys while maintaining navigation functionality in the vertical space
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
This configuration allows for a more efficient use of space, enabling larger keys and improved navigation while maintaining a compact device form factor, enhancing user interaction and reducing finger overlap issues.
Implementation Method 1
biased electrical interconnectors for connecting the trackball assembly to the PCB
Data Source
AI summary
A socket is configured to receive a trackball device in a receiving space formed therein. The socket has an exterior configured to fit within an installation recess in a printed circuit board. A biased electrical interconnector extends from an interior surface of the receiving space into the receiving space, the electrical interconnector oriented within the receiving space at a position that establishes biased electrical contact with a target electrical contact of the trackball device and biased electrical contact with a corresponding electrical contact on the printed circuit board when the socket is installed in an installation recess.