Adjustable Joystick with Locking Control Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joysticks for exercisers and game machines have complex structures and lack the ability to be locked, stopped, or adjusted for maximum biasing angle, making them inefficient for user control and virtual game interaction.
Innovation Solution
A joystick design featuring a base with equiangularly spaced elastomeric members, a motion member, and a control member that allows for adjustable biasing angle and locking, coupled with a sensor to detect movement and output signals for virtual game control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional joystick structures are used, then the basic detection function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and lacks adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The control member is made axially movable along the central axis of the motion member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the biasing angle. This enables the joystick to adapt to different operational requirements by changing the distance between the control member and base, providing versatility without complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The control member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a limiting element for the biasing angle and an adjustable control interface. By combining the limiting function and adjustment mechanism in a single component, the design achieves adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity
2Ease of operation
If the joystick allows free movement, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the ability to lock and stop operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control member can be positioned at different locations along the central axis, including positions that limit motion to specific angular ranges or completely restrict movement. This dynamic positioning capability allows the joystick to switch between flexible operation modes and locked states, ensuring both ease of operation and reliability
3Device complexity
If the biasing angle is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to customize operation ranges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control member's axial position can be adjusted to change the biasing angle, allowing customization of the operation range. This simple dynamic adjustment mechanism achieves adaptability without requiring complex systems for angle modification
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The joystick provides efficient user control with adjustable biasing angles and locking functionality, enhancing the interaction with virtual games by accurately detecting movement and allowing customizable operation ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastomeric members installed in the top of the base and equiangularly spaced from one another, the elastomeric members each having a bottom side fastened to the top of the base and a top side; a motion member fixedly to the elastomeric members and supported on the top side of each the elastomeric member
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick used in a motion apparatus, for example, an exerciser or game machine, is disclosed to include a base fixedly fastened to the body of the motion apparatus, a motion member fixedly fastened to the operating member of the motion apparatus for biasing with the operating member by the user, elastomeric members connected between the base and the motion member, and a control member coupled to the motion member and movable relative to the motion member to lock the motion member to the base or to adjust the maximum biasing angle allowable for the motion member and the operating member.