Spherical Input Device with Rheological Fluid Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as computer mice, face challenges in achieving balance on inclined surfaces due to their non-spherical shapes, which can lead to instability and unwanted movement, particularly with spherical designs that are difficult to balance and prone to rolling off.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a spherical input device with an internal circuitry module, a cavity filled with rheological fluid, and activation means to control the fluid's state, allowing the device to switch between free rolling and fixed states based on acceleration and operator interaction, ensuring balance on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical shape is used for the input device, then movement possibilities (roll, pitch, yaw) are improved, but balance stability deteriorates causing the device to roll off inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the rheological fluid by applying an electric field through electrodes. When voltage is applied, the fluid transitions from a liquid state (allowing free movement and roll) to a gel state (providing internal structural support and balance stability). This parameter change enables the spherical device to maintain both movement capability and balance stability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the device to switch between two distinct operational states: a free-rolling state where the rheological fluid is liquid and allows unrestricted movement, and a balanced state where the fluid becomes a gel and provides stability. This dynamic state transition enables the device to adapt its mechanical properties in real-time based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a spherical shape is used for the input device, then ease of rolling is improved, but balance on flat surfaces deteriorates causing unwanted self-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter change by controlling the rheological fluid's state through electric field application. In the desired balanced state on flat surfaces, the fluid is maintained in a gel configuration that provides internal structural support, preventing unwanted self-rotation while preserving the spherical shape's rolling capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-service through automatic detection and response mechanisms. Sensors detect the device's orientation and surface conditions, and the control system automatically adjusts the rheological fluid's state accordingly, enabling the device to self-correct its balance without external intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rheological fluid is added to achieve balance, then weight increases, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The rheological fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides balance stability when in gel state, enables free movement when in liquid state, and acts as an internal weighting mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate balancing components, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity despite the added fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the balancing function with the movement mechanism by using the same rheological fluid for both purposes. The fluid's state determines whether the device prioritizes stability or mobility, combining what would traditionally require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated solution.
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 provides stable operation on flat and inclined surfaces, reducing muscle strain and preventing unwanted cursor movement, enabling precise use on diverse surfaces and maintaining balance without external support.
Implementation Method 1
a rheological fluid disposed in the cavity wherein the volume of the rheological fluid is below 50% of the volume of the cavity and such that the weight of the rheological fluid is above the weight of the spherical device without the rheological fluid; wherein at least one of the outer spherical wall and the inner spherical wall comprises a rheological fluid activation means configured to change the state of the rheological fluid
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer based on the output of which the rheological fluid activation controller will determine which subset of the activation means shall be activated depending on the position of the spherical device
Implementation Method 3
An example of an orientation sensor is a gyroscope used for measuring orientation or rotation based on detection of angular momentum
Data Source
AI summary
A system for balancing an input device, the system comprising: a spherical device having an outer spherical wall and an inner spherical wall the system further comprising: an internal circuitry module housing internal circuits and positioned in the center of the spherical device and balanced in the center in order hold the spherical device still on a flat surface; a cavity formed between the outer spherical wall and the inner spherical wall; a rheological fluid disposed in the cavity wherein the volume of the rheological fluid is below 50% of the volume of the cavity and such that the weight of the rheological fluid is above the weight of the spherical device without the rheological fluid; wherein al least one of the outer spherical wall and the inner spherical wall comprises a rheological fluid activation means configured to change the state of the rheological fluid; and a rheological fluid activation controller configured to control the rheological fluid activation means in response to occurrence of a predefined condition so that the spherical device may switch between a free rolling state and a fixed state.