Force-Feedback Slider Mechanism Reducing Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force-feedback plane slide input devices have high manufacturing costs due to the complexity and number of components required to prevent slider rotation and provide force feedback.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design using a base body with a housing space, a slider with integral operation member, and two actuating members with rotating shafts and engagement portions, eliminating the need for multiple engagement pins and reducing the number of components by integrating functions previously handled by three actuating bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three actuating bodies with engagement pins are used to prevent slider rotation, then the slider rotation prevention function is achieved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of three separate actuating bodies into a single integrated actuating body. This actuating body has a body portion and three engagement portions that extend in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining the slider rotation prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating body serves multiple functions: it prevents slider rotation through three engagement portions, transmits actuating force to the slider, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If three overlaid plate-shaped parts are used to form actuating bodies, then the actuating function is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three plate-shaped parts into a single actuating body structure. The body portion contains three engagement portions that correspond to the functions of the three separate parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the actuating function.
3Strength
If multiple engagement pins are used to engage with the slider, then the slider is securely engaged, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple engagement pins into three engagement portions that extend from a single actuating body. These engagement portions engage with the slider at different locations, providing secure engagement while reducing the number of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A force-feedback plane slide input device includes: a base body having a housing space formed in a rectangular shape; a slider configured to move within the housing space along a plane including a first direction and a second direction which are orthogonal to each other; an operation member integrally provided with the slider; a first actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the first direction; a second actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the second direction; and a force-feedback unit configured to feed back a sense of force to an operator. The slider includes a first slider member and second slider member. A length of an edge in the first direction of the housing space is substantially the same as a width in the first direction of the second slider member.