Joystick using magnetic sensing and pressure sensing, and method for using joystick
By combining magnetic and pressure sensing methods, the problems of high wear, high cost, and low detection accuracy of joysticks have been solved, achieving simple and efficient joystick detection and improving detection accuracy and service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DONGGUAN CITY KAIHUA ELECTRONICS
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing joystick measurement methods suffer from problems such as high wear, high cost, poor fit, and low detection accuracy, especially those based on resistors and Hall elements.
By combining magnetic and pressure sensing, the rotation and pressure of the joystick are detected by Hall effect sensors and force sensors to reduce component friction. A magnet rotates within a low-friction crust, and the direction and pressure of the magnet are detected by a printed circuit board to achieve accurate measurement.
This design achieves a simple joystick structure, reduces component wear and resistance, improves detection accuracy and service life, and provides precise joystick detection.
Smart Images
Figure CN2026072566_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing and its method of use Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of joystick technology, and more particularly to a joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing, and a method of using the joystick. Background Technology
[0002] A joystick is a physical device that converts the movement of a plastic stick into electronic information that a computer can process. It is very popular in the gaming industry and widely used in industrial machinery. A typical joystick uses a system setup with two orthogonal axes, measuring the rotation angle of each axis to determine the specific operation applied by the user.
[0003] Currently, the most popular measurement method on the market is based on a resistor-based measurement mechanism, which uses a slider for contact. However, the slider wears down over time. Therefore, technologies using Hall elements (magnetic response) have emerged. Both this method and the slider-based method require many moving parts. These moving parts increase costs and raise issues of fit and potential damage. Furthermore, the resistance between these moving parts often doesn't reach zero even after using other technologies, leading to significant errors in the final sensing result.
[0004] Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a joystick that uses both magnetic and pressure sensing, and its method of use. It can simultaneously utilize both magnetic and pressure sensing to achieve the detection purpose of traditional joysticks, and its structure is simple, reducing the problems of friction and resistance between components, providing accurate detection, and facilitating use.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to achieve the above objectives is as follows:
[0007] A joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing includes a top cover 200, a shaft 201, an integral housing 202, a magnet housing 203, a magnet 204, a Hall sensor 207, a sensing and measurement structure 210, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 216. The upper end of the top cover 200 is subjected to force and is connected to the magnet housing 203 via the shaft 201. The lower end of the magnet 204 is driven by the shaft 201 to rotate within the magnet housing 203. The shaft 201 returns to the center or zero position within the integral housing when no external force is applied. The lower end of the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 is placed on the sensing and measurement structure 210, which is used to detect the amount of external force applied to the shaft 201. The Hall sensor 207 is disposed below the integral housing 202 or the printed circuit board (PCB) 216.
[0008] As a further improvement to this joystick, the magnet 204 is cylindrical or spherical.
[0009] As a further improvement to this joystick, a claw 205 is also provided on the inner wall of the lower end of the magnet housing 203, and the magnet 204 is rotatably disposed in the claw 205 inside the magnet housing 203.
[0010] As a further improvement to this joystick, the sensing and measuring structure 210 includes a metal bracket 208. When the top cover 200, shaft 201, magnet 204, printed circuit board (PCB) 216 and gripper 205 move under the pressure of the user's touch and bring the sensing and measuring structure 210 closer to the inductor 209 disposed on the printed circuit board (PCB) 216, the metal bracket 208 moves accordingly. During this process, when the user applies downward pressure, the Hall sensor 207 moves synchronously with the shaft 201.
[0011] As a further improvement to this joystick, an inductor 209 disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 216 is also included, the inductor 209 detecting movement of the metal bracket 208 onto the printed circuit board (PCB) 216.
[0012] As a further improvement to this joystick, an LRA (linear resonant accelerator) 217 for providing tactile feedback may also be provided inside the overall housing 202.
[0013] As a further improvement to this joystick, force sensors (208, 209) are also included on the printed circuit board (PCB) 216.
[0014] A method of using a joystick employing the above-described structure and using magnetic and pressure sensing: the user presses the top cover, causing the top cover to drive the shaft and a magnet located at the lower end of the shaft to move up and down and rotate. At this time, the magnet is magnetically sensed by a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor uses multiple Hall elements in a single direction in an integrated circuit and detects the user's contact or pressing action on the shaft through a force sensor. The sensing and measuring structure provides tactile feedback to the shaft.
[0015] As a further improvement to this method, the force sensor first activates the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 according to the degree of pressure applied by the user when it detects that the user has applied contact or pressing action to the shaft.
[0016] As a further improvement to this method, if the shaft does not return to the accurate zero position when the user removes the contact top cover, the information from the force sensor can be used for recalibration.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0018] This joystick is configured to include a top cover 200, a shaft 201, an integral housing 202, a magnet housing 203, a magnet 204, a Hall sensor 207, a sensing and measuring structure 210, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 216. The top cover 200 is subjected to force at its upper end and is connected to the magnet housing 203 via the shaft 201. The lower end of the magnet 204 is driven by the shaft 201 to rotate within the magnet housing 203. The shaft 201 returns to the center or zero position within the integral housing when no external force is applied. The lower end of the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 is placed on the sensing and measuring structure 210, which is used to detect the amount of external force applied to the shaft 201. The Hall sensor 207 is located below the integral housing 202 or the printed circuit board (PCB) 216. It can simultaneously use magnetic and pressure sensing to achieve the detection purpose of a traditional joystick. Furthermore, it has a simple structure, reduces the problem of mutual friction and resistance between components, provides accurate detection, and is easy to use.
[0019] The above is an overview of the invention's technical solution. The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0020] Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of measurement using orthogonal axes in the prior art;
[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Example 1;
[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Example 2;
[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Example 3;
[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the combination of motion sensor and switch 501 in Embodiment 3;
[0026] Figure 6 is a partial structural diagram of the downward pressing action in Example 3.
[0027] Detailed Implementation
[0028] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the specific implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.
[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] As shown in Figure 1, which illustrates a joystick in the prior art, the pods (101 and 102) can be structured based on different types of sensing technologies, such as rheostats, Hall effects, or inductance. However, the application of these technologies relies on the concept of two orthogonal axes, requiring the measurement of the rotation of each axis during use. Axis 103 rotates relative to the X-direction shown in Figure 1, and axis 104 rotates relative to the Y-direction. The position or direction of the lever 100 must be determined by combining the rotation detection information, making the entire process quite complex. Example
[0033] Referring to Figure 2, this embodiment of the invention provides a joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing. The joystick includes a top cover 200, a shaft 201, an integral housing 202, a magnet housing 203, a magnet 204, a Hall sensor 207, a sensing and measurement structure 210, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 216. The top cover 200 is in contact with the user and is connected to the magnet housing 203 via the shaft 201. The magnet 204 is bonded to a ball 215 or otherwise positioned within the magnet housing 203.
[0034] Preferably, the magnet housing 203 can be a structure that completely surrounds the magnet 204.
[0035] Preferably, the magnet 204 can be cylindrical or spherical in shape.
[0036] Regarding the free rotation of the magnet 204 within the magnet housing 203, the magnet 204 is rotatably mounted within a gripper 205 inside the magnet housing 203. The structure of the gripper 205 allows the magnet 204 to rotate freely and with low friction within the gripper 205, thereby reducing wear and resistance. The bottom end of the gripper 205 is supported by a printed circuit board (PCB) 216 within the magnet housing 203.
[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the joystick may also include a sensing and measuring structure 210. The lower end of the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 is placed on the sensing and measuring structure 210. The sensing and measuring structure 210 may also include a metal bracket 208. When the top cover 200, shaft 201, magnet 204, printed circuit board (PCB) 216 and claw 205 move under the pressure of the user's touch and bring the sensing and measuring structure 210 closer to the inductor 209 disposed on the printed circuit board (PCB) 216, the metal bracket 208 moves accordingly. During this process, when the user applies downward pressure, the Hall sensor 207 moves synchronously with the shaft 201.
[0038] Preferably, the inductor 209 located on the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 can be used to detect the movement of the metal bracket 208 onto the PCB 216. The inductor 209 can also be other sensing components, such as discrete components.
[0039] Regarding the specific connection method between the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 and the external circuit, the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 is connected to the external main product circuit through terminal 220. The structure of terminal 220 ensures that the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 can move without damage when the user applies downward pressure, further reducing the wear of the joystick and ensuring the operation of the joystick.
[0040] Regarding the specific detection method of the inductor 209, when the user presses the top cover 200 down with a force exceeding a predetermined minimum limit, the downward pressure affects the measuring inductance of the inductor 209, thus allowing the real-time switch-on / off state of the joystick to be detected.
[0041] Preferably, an LRA (Linear Resonant Accelerator) 217 may also be provided inside the overall housing 202 of the joystick. The LRA provides tactile feedback to the joystick regarding the "on / off" decision. The LRA can also be used to provide feedback to the user when the user applies a greater force in a certain direction on the top cover 200, or to provide specific feedback when the joystick is moved to any limit, thereby improving the user experience of the joystick.
[0042] Preferably, a buzzer can also be installed on this joystick as an alternative or supplementary structure to provide feedback to the user.
[0043] Preferably, when current flows through the inductor from the overall product, its coil 209, which is used to detect force sensing, can also affect the tactile feedback signal by acting as a solenoid.
[0044] Regarding the specific method of using magnetism for detection in this joystick, the joystick also includes a Hall sensor 207, which can be disposed below the overall housing 202 or the printed circuit board (PCB) 216. The Hall sensor 207 includes at least one Hall plate or magnetic sensing structure disposed on the integrated circuit to accurately determine the direction of the magnet 204. The direction of the magnet 204 can determine the position or direction of the joystick's central axis 201 under user drive, so as to obtain measurement results similar to those of a traditional dual-axis joystick, ensuring its accuracy.
[0045] Regarding the specific reset method of this joystick, the joystick also includes a spring 213. The shaft 201 is connected to the spring 213, and the elastic restoring force of the spring 213 resets the shaft 201 back to the center or zero position. The spring 213 is disposed on the overall housing 202, and the overall housing 202 may be provided with a corresponding structure to fix the spring 213. The spring 213 is connected to the shaft 201 and the overall housing 202 through the fixing structure, thereby preventing the top cover 200, shaft 201 and magnet 204 from lateral displacement. Regarding the specific structure of the spring 213, the spring 213 may be helical upward, helical downward or flat, and can be set according to the actual situation.
[0046] Preferably, the overall housing 202 can be configured with a corresponding structure to match the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 according to the actual situation, so as to facilitate the magnet 204 and the Hall sensor 207 to perform stable positioning measurement.
[0047] Regarding the specific method of resetting and zeroing this joystick, the joystick also includes force sensors (208, 209). By setting force sensors (208, 209) on the printed circuit board (PCB) 216, the purpose of resetting and zeroing is achieved. When the user removes the contact cover 200, if the shaft 201 does not return to the accurate zero position, the information from the force sensors (208, 209) can be used to achieve the purpose of recalibration. For example, when using this joystick to operate a drone to release the joystick, the drone will ensure that it hovers at a certain position. That is, when the force sensors (208, 209) detect that the shaft 201 has not been touched, the joystick will not drift. Therefore, the response of the next drive can be based on this calibration point, thereby achieving an instant response.
[0048] Example 2
[0049] As shown in Figure 3, an arc-shaped plate 302 for protecting the opening can be provided on the shaft 301, and the plate on the magnet housing 303 can also be used to prevent the shaft 301 and the components connected to it from being pulled upwards too far.
[0050] In this embodiment, the spring 305 can also be flat and installed in the overall housing 304.
[0051] Preferably, the material of the gripper 306 is a smooth material, which facilitates the movement of the magnet 308 and prevents the magnet 308 from being corroded over time, thus avoiding a decrease in the reliability or accuracy of the joystick. Of course, the magnet 308 can also be fixed to the shaft 301 as in Embodiment 1.
[0052] Example 3
[0053] As shown in Figure 4, one side of the printed circuit board (PCB) 416 is supported by an integral housing 402, and the other side rests on a sensing measurement structure 410, which also includes a button or other tactile switch. When the pressure applied by the user exceeds a specified limit of the sensing measurement structure 410, the switch in the sensing measurement structure 410 will close, at which point ohmic closure can be measured, or the closure of the switch can be identified by using abrupt changes in sensing.
[0054] The Hall sensor 407 can be mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB) 416, or it can be located at the bottom of the PCB 416 and move along with the up-and-down movement of the magnet 404. If the magnet 404 is mounted on the PCB 416, its up-and-down movement can also be determined by the measurement of multiple Hall sensors 407 to ensure the accuracy of the joystick.
[0055] Figure 5 illustrates a combined structure of a motion sensor and a switch 501, along with its usage. The bracket 500 is soldered or otherwise fixed to the printed circuit board (PCB) 416 in Figure 4. When a user touches the top cover 400, the center of the switch 501 moves downwards, bringing it closer to the sensor and causing a change in the measured inductance. When greater pressure is applied at a point, the switch closes, connecting the legs 502 and 503 on the bracket 500, generating a larger eddy current effect that significantly affects the measured inductance—a step change that facilitates detection. In this way, tactile feedback can be provided based on the measured inductance value and the closing of the switch 501, thus improving the user experience. To save space, the space 501 can be flat.
[0056] As shown in Figure 6, when downward pressure is applied to the overall housing 602, the bracket will move closer to the coil 605 and affect the measured inductance of the coil through eddy currents flowing in the bracket material.
[0057] By providing a tip 603 on the support, which passes through a hole 604 on the printed circuit board (PCB) surrounding the core of the coil 605, the sensitivity of the sensing is improved during use, especially during the initial contact.
[0058] Of course, in the above embodiments, the downward motor switch selection function is implemented by sensing the downward pressure of the measuring structure 410, rather than using an electromagnetic switch, as shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the force level required to perform the click can be calculated by considering the angle of the shaft, which solves the problem of wear resistance caused by mechanical structures. That is, the Hall sensor is activated by applying different pressures according to the angle of the shaft, and then user feedback can be provided through an LRA (linear resonant accelerometer).
[0059] This also includes instructions on how to use a joystick that uses both magnetic and pressure sensors:
[0060] When the user presses the top cover, it causes the top cover to move the shaft and the magnet located at the lower end of the shaft up and down and rotate. At this time, the magnet is magnetically sensed by a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor uses multiple Hall elements in a single direction in an integrated circuit and detects the user's contact or pressing action on the shaft through a force sensor. The sensing and measuring structure provides tactile feedback to the shaft. When the pressure applied by the user exceeds the specified limit of the sensing and measuring structure, the switch in the sensing and measuring structure will close. At this time, the ohmic closure can be measured, or the abrupt change in the sensing change can be used to identify the closure of the switch.
[0061] The force sensor first activates the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 according to the degree of pressure applied by the user when it detects the user applying contact or pressing action to the shaft, and then activates the entire joystick, which effectively saves energy and prevents the joystick from being in the active state for a long time.
[0062] It should be noted that the magnetic and pressure-sensitive joystick and its usage method disclosed in this invention are improvements to the specific structure, but the specific control method is not an innovation of this invention. The Hall sensor, LRA (linear resonant accelerator), magnet, and other components involved in this invention can be general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure, principle, and control method are all known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.
[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, other structures obtained by using the same or similar technical features as the above embodiments of the present invention are all within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing, characterized in that: The device includes a top cover 200, a shaft 201, an integral housing 202, a magnet housing 203, a magnet 204, a Hall sensor 207, a sensing and measuring structure 210, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 216. The top cover 200 is subjected to force at its upper end and is connected to the magnet housing 203 via the shaft 201. The lower end of the magnet 204 is driven by the shaft 201 to rotate within the magnet housing 203. The shaft 201 returns to the center or zero position within the integral housing when no external force is applied. The lower end of the printed circuit board (PCB) 216 is placed on the sensing and measuring structure 210, which is used to detect the amount of external force applied to the shaft 201. The Hall sensor 207 is disposed below the integral housing 202 or the printed circuit board (PCB) 216.
2. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnet 204 is cylindrical or spherical.
3. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a ground claw 205 disposed on the inner wall of the lower end of the magnet housing 203, wherein the magnet 204 is rotatably disposed in the ground claw 205 inside the magnet housing 203.
4. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing and measuring structure 210 includes a metal bracket 208, a top cover 200, a shaft 201, a magnet 204, a printed circuit board (PCB) 216, and a claw 205. When the sensing and measuring structure 210 moves under the pressure of a user's touch and brings the metal bracket 208 closer to the inductor 209 disposed on the printed circuit board (PCB) 216, the metal bracket 208 moves accordingly. During this process, when the user applies downward pressure, the Hall sensor 207 moves synchronously with the shaft 201.
5. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes an inductor 209 disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 216, the inductor 209 detecting movement of the metal bracket 208 onto the printed circuit board (PCB) 216.
6. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: An LRA (linear resonant accelerator) 217 for providing tactile feedback may also be provided inside the overall housing 202.
7. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes force sensors (208, 209) disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 216.
8. A method of using a joystick employing magnetic and pressure sensing as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When the user presses the top cover, it causes the top cover to move the shaft and the magnet located at the lower end of the shaft up and down and rotate. At this time, the magnet is magnetically sensed by a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor uses multiple Hall elements in a single direction in an integrated circuit and detects the user's contact or pressing action on the shaft through a force sensor. The sensing and measuring structure provides tactile feedback to the shaft. When the pressure applied by the user exceeds the specified limit of the sensing and measuring structure, the switch in the sensing and measuring structure will close. At this time, the ohmic closure can be measured, or the abrupt change in the sensing change can be used to identify the closure of the switch.
9. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 8, characterized in that: The force sensor first activates the printed circuit board (PCB) based on the degree of pressure applied by the user when it detects that the user has applied contact or pressing action to the shaft.
10. The joystick using magnetic and pressure sensing according to claim 8, characterized in that: If the shaft does not return to the accurate zero position when the user removes the contact top cover, it can be recalibrated using information from the force sensor.