Analog Stick Eccentric Spring Layout for Precise Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog sticks for joysticks and game controllers face challenges in achieving precise motion detection with minimal installation space while maintaining uniform haptics across the entire movement range.
Innovation Solution
The innovative analog stick design features an operating lever with two orthogonal rotation axes, a plate-like actuating element, and a brace preloaded with a spring element. The spring element and operating lever are laterally spaced, allowing for reduced installation space and the integration of a magnetic sensor for precise motion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steel spring is arranged centrally below the analog stick, then uniform haptics are achieved across the movement range, but the installation space is increased and magnetic interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is relocated from a central vertical arrangement to an eccentric lateral arrangement. Instead of positioning the spring directly below the operating lever along the vertical axis, the patent positions it offset to the side, utilizing lateral space that would otherwise be unused. This dimensional repositioning reduces the vertical installation footprint while maintaining the spring's restorative function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the spring element is positioned eccentrically relative to the operating lever's central axis. This asymmetric positioning allows the spring to function effectively while occupying less central space, creating room for magnetic sensors and other components that require placement near the lever's axis of rotation.
2Reliability
If a conventional steel spring is arranged centrally below the analog stick, then uniform haptics are achieved, but magnetic interference fields are generated that impair sensor measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is extracted from its traditional central position and relocated to an eccentric lateral position. This separation removes the source of magnetic interference from the immediate vicinity of the magnetic sensors, eliminating the harmful magnetic fields that would otherwise corrupt sensor readings while preserving the spring's mechanical restorative function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic intermediary structure (such as a non-magnetic bracket or mounting element) that positions the spring element laterally away from the magnetic sensors. This intermediary component acts as a spatial mediator, allowing the magnetic spring to function while preventing its magnetic field from directly interfering with the sensitive magnetic field sensors.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used for motion detection, then high precision and small dimensions are achieved, but the sensors are very sensitive to magnetic interference from the spring
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensors are extracted from the central region and positioned in locations where they can detect lever movement without being in the direct path of the spring's magnetic field. The spring is simultaneously relocated to an eccentric position, extracting it from the sensor's immediate vicinity. This mutual extraction resolves the interference problem while maintaining measurement precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If laterally attached potentiometers and switches are used, then motion and pressure detection are achieved, but the installation space is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensors (potentiometers and mechanical switches) with magnetic field-based sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for laterally mounted mechanical components, as magnetic sensors can be positioned more compactly and do not require the same mechanical connection structures. The result is a significant reduction in lateral installation space while maintaining full detection functionality.
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
This design enables highly precise motion detection with reduced installation space, while maintaining consistent haptics across the movement range, as the magnetic sensor is not interfered with by the spring element.
Implementation Method 1
a brace preloaded using a spring element, the plate-like actuating element being in contact with the brace and being configured to transmit a deflection of the operating lever to the brace, as a result of which the brace is deflected counter to the spring force of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
Analog stick with an eccentrically arranged spring mounting... magnetic field-based motion detection
Data Source
AI summary
The innovative concept disclosed herein relates to an analog stick with a pivotably mounted operating lever having, on a first axial end portion, an operating element and, on an opposite second axial end portion, a plate-like actuating element. The plate-like actuating element is in contact with a spring-preloaded brace and is configured to transmit a deflection of the operating lever to the brace, as a result of which the brace is deflected counter to the spring force of the spring element. The brace is configured to restore the operating lever to its zero position in a non-actuated state using the spring force of the spring element, the spring element and the operating lever being laterally spaced apart from one another, as seen in an extent direction of the brace.