Trackball Braking Force Adjustment via Rotating Ring and Flexible Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trackballs in aircraft cockpits face challenges in adjusting braking force to prevent spurious motion due to vibrations, with current solutions being complex and prone to increased braking forces from mechanical clogging, requiring dismantling and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a rotating ring with a flexible annular braking seal and a fixed support allowing for adjustable height, converting rotational motion into translational motion through a pin and indexing finger system, enabling precise adjustment without dismantling or cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a flexible seal with shims is used to adjust braking force, then the braking force can be adjusted, but the device becomes complex and requires dismantling for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from the complex mechanical assembly of shims and seals, isolating it into a separate rotating ring component with notches. This allows the braking force adjustment to be independent from the main mechanical structure, simplifying the overall device while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete notches on the rotating ring, each corresponding to a specific braking force level. This segmentation allows for precise, stepwise adjustment without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
2Strength
If mechanical elements are used for adjustment, then the structure is robust, but the elements become clogged and require cleaning during intensive use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shim-based adjustment system with a rotating ring and notch system that uses geometric constraints rather than mechanical interference. This substitution eliminates the clogging issue while maintaining structural robustness through the rigid ring and support structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ball is braked strongly to prevent spurious motion, then vibration resistance improves, but the rotation becomes difficult for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the braking force can be varied in real-time through the rotating ring. This allows the system to adapt between strong braking (for vibration resistance) and light braking (for ease of operation) based on operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force parameter is made adjustable through the rotating ring with multiple notch positions. Each notch corresponds to a different braking force level, allowing users to change the parameter according to flight phases - stronger braking during turbulent phases and lighter braking during normal operation.
4Measurement precision
If adjustment requires dismantling mechanical parts, then precise adjustment is possible, but the adjustment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating ring is pre-configured with multiple notches at specific positions, each corresponding to a predetermined braking force level. This preliminary preparation of adjustment positions allows for immediate selection of the desired braking force without requiring time-consuming dismantling or calculation during actual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the adjustment mechanism. Instead of linear adjustment through dismantling, the user rotates the ring to select from multiple angular positions (notches), each representing a different braking force. This dimensional change transforms a time-consuming linear adjustment process into a quick rotational selection.
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 reduces adjustment and assembly time, allows for force adjustment without user dismantling, and extends the trackball's lifespan by allowing force reduction through simple ring displacement, ensuring accurate and reliable braking force adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible annular braking seal... the rotation of the ring causing the displacement of the pin in the oblong, the indexed notch to change and a translational motion of the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A device for adjusting the braking force of a rolling ball or “trackball” comprises: a rotating ring in the form of a straight circular hollow cylinder, the ring comprising a flexible annular seal, the outer periphery of the cylinder comprising: an inclined oblong; a plurality of identical notches; a fixed support comprising: a circular void; a fixed pin and an indexing finger arranged so that, the ring being mounted in the void of the support, the fixed pin is housed in the oblong of the ring and the indexing finger in one of the notches of the ring, the rotation of the ring causing the displacement of the pin in the oblong, the indexed notch to change and a translational motion of the ring parallel to the axis of revolution of the cylinder.