Directional Input Slide Mechanism for Compact Axial Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direction input devices are limited by their size in the axial direction, and there is a need for a more compact design that maintains functionality and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The direction input device incorporates a first and second slide portion that slide over curved surfaces without a physical rotation shaft, utilizing a slide biasing portion to return to the initial position, and includes a conical coil spring for enhanced load adjustment and stability, with a base and switch mechanism for input detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a physical rotation shaft is used in the direction input device, then the structural stability is improved, but the axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical rotation shaft from the system and replaces it with a slide mechanism consisting of slide portions moving on curved slid surfaces. This extraction of the shaft eliminates the need for rotational components, thereby reducing the axial length while maintaining the directional input functionality through the sliding motion of the input portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional rotational mechanical system with a sliding mechanical system. Instead of rotating around a shaft, the input portion tilts and slides along curved surfaces defined by the slid surfaces and slide portions. This mechanical substitution achieves the same directional control without requiring axial space for a rotation shaft.
2Reliability
If the slide biasing portion is added to press the slide portions against the slid surfaces, then the operational stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide biasing portion is designed to automatically maintain contact between the slide portions and slid surfaces through elastic deformation. The biasing portion's elastic properties enable it to self-adjust and sustain the necessary pressing force without external control mechanisms, ensuring operational stability while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conical coil spring is used as the slide biasing portion, then the load adjustment flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical coil spring enables flexible load adjustment by varying its geometric parameters such as cone angle, coil density, and height. These parameter changes allow the biasing force to be customized for different application requirements. While the manufacturing complexity increases slightly compared to a standard coil spring, the conical geometry can be produced using conventional spring manufacturing techniques with adjusted tooling.
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 device achieves a reduction in axial size while maintaining operational accuracy and efficiency, with improved load adjustment and reduced wobbling, allowing for a more compact and functional design.
Implementation Method 1
the conical coil spring radially spreads, on the other hand, superimposition of the conical coil spring in the axial direction at the time of compression in the axial direction can be suppressed
Implementation Method 2
the slide biasing portion biasing the first slide portion upward from below as pressing the first slide portion against the first slid surface and biasing the second slide portion upward from below as pressing the second slide portion against the second slid surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A direction input device includes an input portion, a first slide portion, a second slide portion, a first slid surface, a second slid surface, and a slide biasing portion. The input portion includes an operated portion and a shaft. The first slide portion slides in a first direction. The first slide portion is provided with a first hole through which the shaft passes, the first hole extending in a second direction. The second slide portion slides in the second direction. The second slide portion is provided with a second hole through which the shaft passes, the second hole extending in the first direction. The first slid surface extends in the first direction and is in a shape curved convexly upward. The first slide portion slides over the first slid surface as the first slide portion abuts thereon from below. The second slid surface extends in the second direction and is in a shape curved convexly upward. The second slide portion slides over the second slid surface as the second slide portion abuts thereon from below. The slide biasing portion is provided below the first slide portion and the second slide portion to bias the first slide portion upward from below as pressing the first slide portion against the first slid surface and to bias the second slide portion upward from below as pressing the second slide portion against the second slid surface.