DUAL-MODE ROTATABLE INPUT DEVICE
First Claim
1. A rotatable input device for an electronic device, the input device comprising:
- a stationary hub;
a rotatable member rotatable around the stationary hub by a user;
a resistive rotation mechanism forming an interface between the stationary hub and the rotatable member, the resistive rotation mechanism comprising a resistive surface and a movable interface member configured to selectively interface with the resistive surface, wherein the resistive surface and the movable interface member are configured to move relative to one another with rotation of the rotatable member; and
a biasing mechanism configured to urge the movable interface member into engagement with the resistive surface when a rotational velocity of the rotatable member is below a threshold velocity, and to separate the interface member and the resistive surface when the rotational velocity of the rotatable member is above the threshold velocity.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments related to dual mode rotatable input devices that permit both resistive and non-resistive rotation are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a stationary hub, a rotatable member rotatable around the stationary hub, and a resistive rotation mechanism forming an interface between the stationary hub and the rotatable member. The resistive rotation mechanism comprises a resistive surface and a movable interface member configured to selectively contact the resistive surface, wherein the resistive surface and the movable interface member move relative to one another with rotation of the rotatable member. The resistive mechanism further comprises a biasing mechanism that urges the movable interface member into engagement with the resistive surface when a rotational velocity of the rotatable member is below a threshold velocity, and allows separation of the interface member and the resistive surface when the rotational velocity of the rotatable member is above the threshold velocity.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A rotatable input device for an electronic device, the input device comprising:
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a stationary hub; a rotatable member rotatable around the stationary hub by a user; a resistive rotation mechanism forming an interface between the stationary hub and the rotatable member, the resistive rotation mechanism comprising a resistive surface and a movable interface member configured to selectively interface with the resistive surface, wherein the resistive surface and the movable interface member are configured to move relative to one another with rotation of the rotatable member; and a biasing mechanism configured to urge the movable interface member into engagement with the resistive surface when a rotational velocity of the rotatable member is below a threshold velocity, and to separate the interface member and the resistive surface when the rotational velocity of the rotatable member is above the threshold velocity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer mouse, comprising:
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a scroll wheel rotatable by a user of the computer mouse; an indexed surface and a movable interface member associated with the scroll wheel, wherein rotation of the scroll wheel causes relative movement between the indexed surface and the movable interface member; and a biasing mechanism configured to urge the movable interface member and indexed surface into engagement when a rotational velocity of the scroll wheel is below a threshold velocity, and to allow the movable interface member and the indexed surface to separate when the rotational velocity of the scroll wheel is above the threshold velocity. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A computer mouse, comprising:
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a body; and a scroll wheel coupled to body, the scroll wheel comprising; a stationary hub coupled to the body and configured to remain stationary relative to the body during scroll wheel use; a detent formed in the stationary hub; a magnet disposed within the stationary hub at a location adjacent to the detent; a rotatable wheel member disposed around the stationary hub and comprising an internal space having an opening facing the stationary hub; and a movable interface member disposed in the internal space. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification