Touchpad Wiggler Device Using Center of Gravity Shift
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with touchpads often enter power-saving modes due to user inactivity, leading to annoying interruptions during sessions like conferencing, and existing solutions are either software-dependent or not specifically designed for touchpads.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movement mechanism that simulates finger movement on touchpads by changing the center of gravity, causing the device to rock or roll, thereby mimicking user input through an electrically conductive surface, using a mechanical or electrical motor with reduction gears to rotate a shaft and alter the contact location on the touchpad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software solutions are used to simulate user activity, then user activity can be simulated, but software installation is required which may be restricted by IT policy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based solutions with a purely mechanical device. The mechanical wiggler uses a motor-driven shaft with an off-center weight that rotates to periodically shift the device's center of gravity, causing the device to rock back and forth on the touchpad surface. This mechanical motion simulates finger movements without requiring any software installation or configuration changes, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If inactivity time settings are changed, then sleep mode can be prevented, but user access to settings is required which may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wiggler operates autonomously without requiring user intervention or access to system settings. Once placed on the touchpad and activated, the device self-regulates its rocking motion through its internal motor and off-center weight mechanism, continuously simulating user activity to prevent sleep mode. This eliminates the need for users to access restricted inactivity time settings, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If existing mouse jigglers are used, then user activity can be simulated, but they are designed for mice not touchpads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the contact surface properties specifically for touchpad interaction. The device features a conductive rubber pad at its base that makes contact with the touchpad surface, and the rocking motion is calibrated to create finger-like pressure patterns on the touchpad. This localized adaptation to touchpad-specific characteristics (conductive surface, pressure-sensitive zones) distinguishes it from generic mouse jigglers and resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
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
Effectively prevents computing devices from entering sleep mode by simulating user activity without requiring software installation or changes to inactivity settings, ensuring continuous operation without unintended taps or actions.
Implementation Method 1
The arm has a first end and a second end, with the first end attached to the shaft so that rotation of the shaft causes the second end to revolve around the shaft in a plane normal to the shaft. When the second end revolves around the shaft, it changes the center of gravity of the device and the device consequently tilts in different directions.
Implementation Method 2
The base includes an electrically conductive lower portion that touches the touchpad when the device rests on the touchpad. The electrically conductive lower portion has an area sufficient to simulate finger touch on the touchpad when the electrically conductive portion contacts the touchpad.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for simulating finger movement on a computer touchpad prevents the computer attached to the touchpad from falling asleep or locking. The device includes a small motor that moves a weight inside the device and thereby changes the location of the center of gravity of the device, causing the device to tilt in different directions when the device is placed on the touchpad. The lower support of the device is conductive, e.g., metalized, so that the changes in the location of the contact patch between the device and the touchpad simulate finger movements on the touchpad. The small motor may be an electric motor, such as a wall/desk clock motor powered by an AA battery, or a mechanical wind-up movement. In examples, the simulated finger movement is linear or circular.