Hubless scroll wheel
US12260031B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/03543
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hubless scroll wheel for a computer peripheral device may include a wheel defining an open interior. The wheel may include a plurality of contactless indexing features positioned at different angular positions. The scroll wheel may include at least one fixed contactless ratchet member disposed within the open interior of the wheel. The wheel may be rotatable relative to the fixed contactless ratchet members. Each contactless indexing feature and fixed contactless rachet member may include one or both of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. fixed contactless rachet members may be configured to interact with the contactless indexing features to produce a tactile response as the wheel is rotated. The scroll wheel may include at least one sensor that is configured to detect a magnitude and direction of rotation of the wheel relative to the fixed contactless ratchet members.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.