Touch Scroll Mouse Structure for Liquid Ingress Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical mice with a scroll wheel are prone to damage due to external liquid entering through gaps around the scroll wheel, which can compromise the internal components.

Innovation Solution

A mouse design that replaces the scroll wheel with an arc-shaped protrusion and a touch module, coupled with a vibration module and a waterproof covering layer, to simulate the scroll function while preventing liquid ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scroll wheel is used in the middle of the mouse, then the mouse can provide scrolling functionality, but external liquid can easily enter the inside of the mouse through the gap around the scroll wheel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrolling functionalityVSAvoidliquid ingress prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional scroll wheel component entirely and replaces it with a touch-sensitive arc-shaped protrusion. This extraction eliminates the gap that previously allowed liquid ingress while maintaining the scrolling function through touch detection and vibration feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical scroll wheel system with a touch-sensitive electronic system. The arc-shaped protrusion with touch module detects touch signals electronically, and the vibration module provides tactile feedback, substituting the mechanical rolling action with electronic sensing and vibration-based user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a scroll wheel is used in the middle of the mouse, then the mouse can provide scrolling functionality, but the gap around the scroll wheel allows dirt and liquid to enter and damage internal components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrolling functionalityVSAvoiddirt and liquid contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a waterproof coating layer applied to the mouse body that acts as a protective barrier. This thin film prevents dirt and liquid from penetrating into the internal components while allowing the touch module to function through the coated surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the middle roller is replaced with an arc-shaped protrusion and touch module, then liquid ingress is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid ingress preventionVSAvoidtouch module and vibration module integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the arc-shaped protrusion component: it serves as both the structural element providing tactile feedback and the interface for touch signal detection. The vibration module is integrated into the same housing as the touch module, merging the feedback mechanism with the sensing element to reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arc-shaped protrusion serves multiple functions: it provides the tactile interface for user interaction, houses the touch module for signal detection, and works with the vibration module to deliver feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design effectively prevents liquid ingress, maintaining the functionality and extending the lifespan of the mouse by using a touch-controlled arc-shaped protrusion and a waterproof covering layer.

Implementation Method 1

The processing module is configured to receive a touch signal generated by the touch module that senses whether or not the arc-shaped protrusion is being touched

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTouch sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The vibration module is disposed in the body, and the vibration module is electrically connected to the processing module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12436626B1Mouse

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 DEXIN CORP

AI summary

A mouse is provided. The mouse includes a body, an arc-shaped protrusion, a touch module, a processing module, a vibration module, and a covering layer. The body has two buttons. The arc-shaped protrusion is disposed on the body, and the arc-shaped protrusion is arranged between the two buttons. The touch module includes a flexible circuit board. The vibration module is disposed in the body. The covering layer covers an outside of the body, and does not cover the arc-shaped protrusion. The processing module can receive a touch signal generated by the touch module that senses whether or not the arc-shaped protrusion is being touched, the processing module can control the vibration module according to the touch signal, and the processing module is configured to generate a roller signal according to the touch signal. The processing module can transmit the roller signal to an external electronic device.