Input device including a mechanical ratchet system with smart shift
US10459618B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2300/038
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A knob for an input device includes a knob housing being rotatable on an axis, a shaft extending from the knob housing along the axis, a ratchet wheel axially coupled to the shaft with a toothed perimeter, and a ratchet arm to couple to the toothed perimeter of the ratchet wheel when the ratchet arm is engaged such that a ratcheted rotation occurs when the knob is rotated, and decouple from the toothed perimeter of the ratchet wheel when the ratchet arm is disengaged. The knob can further include a resistance wheel axially coupled to the shaft with a substantially smooth perimeter, and a resistance arm to couple to the smooth perimeter of the resistance wheel when the resistance arm is engaged such that a friction is provided when the knob is rotated, and decouple from the smooth perimeter of the resistance wheel when the resistance arm is disengaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.