Eye-Exam Stick Controller With Magnetic Self-Returning Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye-examining devices face issues with variable and decreasing restoring forces in the controller, leading to device failures and inaccurate adjustments, as the elastic force of springs is difficult to control consistently.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a magnetic coupling system, where neodymium magnets generate an attractive force to automatically return to a predetermined position, ensuring a uniform and consistent restoring force, and a simple mechanical structure that reduces failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to generate restoring force in the controller, then the controller can return to a predetermined position, but the restoring force becomes variable for each device and decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets generate a magnetic force that acts as the restoring force, eliminating the need for physical springs. This substitution ensures consistent restoring force across devices since magnetic properties are more stable and less prone to degradation over time compared to mechanical springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used to generate restoring force from elastic material properties (spring constant) to magnetic field strength. By controlling magnetic field parameters through the magnetic coupling mechanism, the system achieves more stable and predictable restoring forces that do not degrade with use.
2Reliability
If a spring-based restoring mechanism is used, then the controller can be restored to initial position, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical spring mechanisms by substituting them with a magnetic field-based restoring system. The magnetic coupling between magnets provides the restoring force without requiring mechanical springs, reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points in the mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system provides self-restoring functionality without requiring additional mechanical components. The magnetic attraction naturally pulls the controller back to its initial position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical restoration mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If spring elastic force is used for restoring the controller, then the restoring function is achieved, but the restoring force magnitude is difficult to control accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling restoring force through mechanical spring parameters (which are difficult to precisely control during manufacturing) to controlling magnetic field parameters. Magnetic force can be more precisely controlled and standardized during manufacturing, allowing for more accurate and consistent restoring force magnitudes across production batches.
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 magnetic coupling system provides a consistent and stable restoring force, reducing device failures and ensuring accurate adjustments, with a simple mechanical design that maintains force consistency over time.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnetic coupling part 40 detachably coupled to the first magnetic coupling part 30 by magnetic force and configured to move along a second area 44; and an attractive force resulting from the magnetic force is generated between the second magnetic coupling part 40 and the first magnetic coupling part 30
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Disclosed are a stick controller for adjusting the position of an examination unit with respect to an eye to be examined in an ophthalmic eye-examining device and an eye-examining device including the same. The controller includes: an operation unit (22) configured to be operated by a user so as to be positioned in a first driving area or a second driving area; a first magnetic coupling part (30) coupled to the operation unit (22) and configured to move along a first area (34) together with the operation unit (22); a second magnetic coupling part (40) detachably coupled to the first magnetic coupling part (30) by magnetic force and configured to move along a second area (44); and a control signal generation unit (28) configured to output a first drive control signal when the operation unit (22) is positioned in the first driving area and output a second drive control signal when the operation unit (22) is positioned in the second driving area,