Multi-Variable Control Stick With Segmented Contact Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control sticks are limited to single-variable control, making them inconvenient for applications requiring multi-variable control.

Innovation Solution

A control stick design featuring a control portion with multiple moving contact points and static contact points, allowing for both swinging and pressing actions to establish electrical connections, enabling multi-variable control through a combination of upper and lower control modules with elastic members for reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional control stick design is used, then the structure is simple, but only single-variable control can be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control stick is divided into an upper control module and a lower control module. The upper module contains multiple first moving contact points for directional control, while the lower module contains a second moving contact point for pressing control. This segmentation allows independent implementation of different control functions, achieving multi-variable control while maintaining modular simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it can swing in different directions to activate different first moving contact points for directional control, and it can be pressed to activate the second moving contact point. This multi-functionality enables a single control stick to achieve both directional and pressing control, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple contact points are added to achieve multi-variable control, then control versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-variable controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control stick is divided into an upper control module and a lower control module. The upper module contains multiple first moving contact points for directional control, while the lower module contains a second moving contact point for pressing control. This segmentation allows independent implementation of different control functions, achieving multi-variable control while maintaining modular simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper control module and lower control module are integrated into a single control stick structure that works together as one unit. The control portion connects both modules, allowing the swinging motion to activate first moving contact points while the pressing motion activates the second moving contact point. This merging reduces the need for separate control devices, simplifying manufacturing while achieving multi-variable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If gaps are maintained between moving and static contact points, then reliability of electrical connection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcontact point alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact plates are designed to move dynamically when the control portion swings or is pressed. The moving contact points are positioned on flexible or movable structures that allow them to approach and contact the static contact points reliably during operation. This dynamic design ensures reliable electrical connection while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates gaps between moving and static contact points that serve as a buffer zone. These gaps are deliberately designed to accommodate manufacturing variations and assembly tolerances, ensuring that even with imperfect alignment, the moving contact points can still make reliable contact with the static contact points during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 control stick effectively controls multiple variables by allowing separate single-variable control of electric devices, providing a simple and reliable mechanism for multi-variable control in various scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a ring-shaped elastic member received into the ring-shaped slot, and the ring-shaped elastic member presses at the top of the contact plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

when the control portion swings in a direction towards one of the first moving contact points, the first moving contact point is contacted and conducted with the first static contact point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

when the control portion is pressed, the second moving contact point is contacted and conducted with the second static contact point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3745437B1Control stick
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 DEFOND ELECTECH CO LTD
  • EP3745437B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745437B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745437B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control stick includes a Control portion(1), a First electrical contact portion(2) and a Second electrical contact portion(3). The Control portion(1) has plural First moving contact points(11), the First electrical contact portion(2) has a Control board(21) and plural First static contact points(22) corresponding to the First moving contact points(ll) respectively, and a gap exists between the First moving contact point(ll) and the respective First static contact point(22). The First static contact points (22)are electrically connected with the Control board(21). When the Control portion(1) swings towards one of the First moving contact points(ll), the First moving contact point(ll) is contacted and conducted with the First static contact point(22). This control stick is capable of achieving the control of a multiple of variables to meet the requirements of controlling a multiple variable in some occasions.