Soundless Scroll Wheel Module with Flexible Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouse scroll wheels generate noise due to friction and collision between hard materials, disrupting work environments.
Innovation Solution
A soundless scroll wheel module featuring a mute inner ratchet wheel with flexible components made of rubber, polyurethane, or silicon materials, and a non-slip outer ring component, which reduces rolling noise and enhances user experience by providing a continuous stop hand feeling and improved fluency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard materials are used for the ratchet wheel and strut, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but collision and friction generate noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the ratchet wheel from hard material to soft material (rubber, polyurethane, or silicon). This parameter change maintains the structural functionality while eliminating the noise generated by collision and friction between hard components, directly resolving the technical contradiction between strength and noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the ratchet wheel consists of a soft material layer coated on or integrated with a supporting structure. This composite approach combines the noise-absorbing properties of soft materials with the structural support needed for functionality, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and noise reduction.
2Ease of operation
If a non-slip outer ring component is added to the scroll wheel body, then the user grip and operational fluency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer ring component with the scroll wheel body by sleeving it outside and fixing it on the outer surface. This combining approach integrates the non-slip functional element with the existing scroll wheel structure, improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity through unified design.
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
The solution effectively eliminates rolling noise and improves user interaction by using flexible materials for the ratchet wheel and outer ring, ensuring a quiet and efficient scrolling experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component, and an encoding component. One side of the elastic component is connected to the supporting frame and the other side of the elastic component is connected to the strut
Implementation Method 2
The flexible ratchets and the flexible annular body form a zigzag surface with continuous zigzags in the installation area. The engagement segment can be smoothly connected to the zigzag surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a mouse with a soundless scroll wheel module, including a mouse body and a soundless scroll wheel module. The soundless scroll wheel module includes a supporting frame, a scroll wheel body, a mute inner ratchet wheel, a strut, an elastic component, and an encoding component. The mute inner ratchet wheel is installed in the scroll wheel body. The strut includes an engagement segment and the engagement segment is engaged with the mute inner ratchet wheel. The mute inner ratchet wheel comprises a flexible annular body and multiple flexible ratchets for reducing rolling noise.