Adjustable Actuation Force Operation Device via Cam Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operation devices have a predetermined actuation force that cannot be adjusted, making it difficult for users to operate quickly, perform fine tasks, or accommodate varying user conditions such as fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An operation device with a returning mechanism that includes a cam system and elastic members, allowing users to adjust the actuation force by pressing a push-button, which changes the preload on the cam member, thereby modifying the actuation force applied to the operation member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the actuation force is increased for fine work, then the precision of operation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the user is tired or needs quick movements
Solution Approach 1:
The operation device enables dynamic adjustment of the actuation force through a pushing operation on the operation member, allowing the spring compression amount and resulting actuation force to change based on user needs. This transforms a static force characteristic into a dynamic one that can adapt between fine work precision and quick movement ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameter of spring compression amount in response to user pushing operations. By varying the compression amount of the spring between the operation member and cushioning member, the actuation force is adjusted to match different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the actuation force is predetermined by design, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user conditions and tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation device enables the user to self-adjust the actuation force through pushing operations on the operation member. The system serves itself by allowing direct user interaction to modify the spring compression and actuation force without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static predetermined force system to a dynamic adjustable force system. The actuation force becomes variable rather than fixed, allowing the simple mechanical structure to adapt to different user conditions and task requirements through user-initiated adjustments.
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
Enables users to adjust the actuation force dynamically, improving operational efficiency and comfort by reducing the force required for quick movements or fine tasks, especially when the user is tired.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member disposed between the slide member and the cam member, and a second elastic member disposed between the cam member and the bottom portion
Data Source
AI summary
An operation device includes a housing, a tiltable cylindrical operation member having a step portion on an inner circumferential surface, a first holding member which is held by the housing and rotatable in a first direction in accordance with a tilting operation of the operation member, a first detecting portion for detecting a rotation of the first holding member, and a returning mechanism disposed inside the operation member to return the tilted operation member to an initial position, wherein the returning mechanism includes an actuator, a slide member having a first cam surface at one end, a cam member having a second cam surface at one end which faces the first cam surface, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member.