Magnetic detent for input controls
US9778760B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0362
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or more implementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial) includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent mechanism. The rotary input control may be integrated with an input device such as a computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotor assembly includes a rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such as teeth of a gear, spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least one permanent magnet is arranged radially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. This creates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elements rotate through the magnetic field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.