Tilt Roller Control Device With Hinged Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for graphical objects on displays lack ease of use and manufacturing simplicity, particularly in providing effective scrolling control across multiple axes, including vertical, horizontal, and z-axis scrolling, with existing solutions often requiring complex mechanisms or separate buttons.
Innovation Solution
A control device featuring a roller that can rotate and tilt, supported by hinges and a ratchet mechanism, allowing for intuitive vertical and horizontal scrolling, with a switch for mode switching between scrolling modes, and incorporating tactile feedback through a ratchet ball and spring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mouse with separate buttons is used for horizontal and vertical scrolling, then scrolling control is provided, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate around a vertical axis for vertical scrolling, tilt forward and backward for horizontal scrolling, and press down for z-axis input. This single multi-functional roller replaces what would traditionally require separate buttons and controls, thereby reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is made dynamically movable with multiple degrees of freedom through hinge mechanisms. The roller can rotate, tilt, and press, allowing the user to access different scrolling modes and functions through natural finger movements rather than switching between static buttons, thus improving ease of operation without adding complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controls are provided for vertical, horizontal, and z-axis scrolling, then comprehensive scrolling control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single roller component is designed to handle all three scrolling axes: vertical scrolling through rotation, horizontal scrolling through tilting, and z-axis scrolling through pressing. This universal roller design provides comprehensive scrolling control while maintaining simplicity in the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate controls (vertical scroll button, horizontal scroll buttons, z-axis button) into a single roller component. The roller integrates all these functions by allowing different types of movement (rotation, tilting, pressing) on one unified structure, thereby achieving versatile scrolling control without increasing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If a roller tilts forward and backward for horizontal scrolling, then horizontal scrolling control is provided, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions using a ratchet mechanism. Instead of requiring continuous precise tilting control, the roller can tilt to specific predetermined angles (e.g., left, center, right positions), which reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining intuitive scrolling control through natural finger movements
4Ease of operation
If a ratchet mechanism with ball and spring is used for tactile feedback, then tactile feedback is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism with ball and spring provides automatic tactile feedback when the roller tilts or rotates. The mechanism self-activates based on the user's input movements, providing audible and tactile confirmation without requiring additional sensors or electronic components. This self-service approach delivers tactile feedback while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a roller configured to rotate and tilt; a roller support coupled to the roller, wherein the roller is configured to rotate relative to the roller support; the first hinge disposed adjacent to a first end of the roller support; and a second hinge disposed adjacent to a second end of the roller support, wherein the first end and the second end are substantially opposite ends of the roller support, the second hinge is above the first hinge, and the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to provide tilting support for the roller and roller support.