Spring-back Force Adjustable Pointing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pointing devices, such as mice, face issues with rapid key actuation detection due to insufficient spring-back force, leading to missed or skipped inputs during high-frequency actions in gaming and other applications, as the existing cantilever hinge mechanism struggles to keep up with user speed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spring-back force adjustable pointing device featuring an opposing magnet adjustment system, where magnets with varying magnetic field strengths are used to create a non-linear exponential force displacement relationship, allowing for customizable spring-back force adjustment through sliding or rotating mechanisms, enhancing key plate actuation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring-back force is increased to improve rapid key actuation detection, then the detection speed and accuracy improve, but the initial actuation force also increases making it harder to press
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the magnetic field by using magnets with varying magnetic field strengths. This allows the spring-back force to be increased for rapid detection while the initial actuation force remains manageable, as the magnetic field strength can be optimized to provide the right balance between these two force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism that allows the spring-back force to be dynamically modified. This enables the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing higher spring-back force for rapid gaming actions when needed, while allowing lower force for normal typing, thus resolving the contradiction between detection speed and actuation ease.
2Speed
If the spring-back force is increased to keep up with user speed, then the response time improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies physical parameters (magnetic field strength) rather than adding complex mechanical components. By using magnets with different field strengths in a simple adjustable mechanism, the response time is improved without significantly increasing device complexity, as the adjustment system remains relatively straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If the initial actuation force is kept low for ease of use, then the ease of operation improves, but the spring-back force becomes insufficient for rapid key actuation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnets with varying magnetic field strengths to create a non-linear exponential force displacement relationship. This allows the initial actuation force to remain low for ease of use, while the spring-back force is sufficiently high for rapid detection, as the magnetic field parameters are optimized to provide different force characteristics at different stages of key actuation.
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 solution significantly improves the detection of rapid key actuations by increasing the spring-back force without increasing the initial actuation force, ensuring all intended inputs are registered, particularly beneficial for gaming and other high-speed applications.
Implementation Method 1
magnets with varying magnetic field strengths are used to create a non-linear exponential force displacement relationship
Implementation Method 2
opposing magnet adjustment system, where magnets with varying magnetic field strengths are used to create a non-linear exponential force displacement relationship
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor; a data storage device; a power management unit (PMU); a spring-back force adjustable pointing device operatively coupled to communication with the processor, including: a pointing device housing; a key plate operatively coupled to the pointing device housing at a key plate hinge; a first magnet operatively coupled to the key plate; and a second magnet operatively coupled to an opposing magnet adjustment device to adjust the position of the second magnet relative to the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and second magnet have repelling poles facing each other to assist spring-back of the key plate when opposing magnets fields interact.