Multi-mode Gearstick Lever with Transverse Elastic Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed controllers for video games are complex, costly, and lack ergonomic design, particularly in transitioning between manual and sequential modes, and do not effectively simulate the realism of vehicle speed control devices.
Innovation Solution
A speed controller with a pivoting lever and detection means that allows operation in both manual and sequential modes, utilizing a grid system with transverse and longitudinal slots, and elastic return mechanisms to simplify component count and enhance ergonomics, eliminating the need for longitudinal elastic return means in sequential mode by leveraging transverse elastic return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If longitudinal elastic return means are added to enable sequential mode operation, then the speed controller can detect positions in sequential mode, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse elastic return means are designed to perform dual functions: returning the lever to neutral position in manual mode and enabling sequential mode operation. This eliminates the need for separate longitudinal elastic return means, reducing component count while maintaining both operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of transverse elastic return means and longitudinal elastic return means into a single transverse elastic return mechanism. The grid geometry is modified to allow the same elastic mechanism to constrain lever movement in both transverse and longitudinal directions during sequential mode, merging previously separate functions into one component
2Ease of operation
If a grid with multiple longitudinal slots is used for manual mode, then the lever can be guided to multiple positions, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid is designed with selective slot availability based on operating mode. In sequential mode, only the transverse slot is accessible, limiting lever movement to a smaller range. In manual mode, longitudinal slots become accessible for multi-position control. This dynamic adaptation allows compact design while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The grid is segmented into distinct functional areas: a transverse slot for sequential mode operation and longitudinal slots for manual mode. This segmentation allows the same physical grid structure to serve multiple purposes with different spatial requirements, optimizing overall controller size
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 solution reduces the number of components and cost, improves ergonomics, and maintains realism in simulating vehicle speed control functions, allowing precise control with a smaller form factor and easy adaptation to different supports.
Implementation Method 1
detection means capable of detecting, in manual mode, at least two different positions of the lever of the controller speeds obtained by pivoting the speed control lever at least in the longitudinal direction from the neutral position and, in sequential mode, at least two different positions of the speed control lever offset with respect to the neutral position
Implementation Method 2
so-called transverse elastic return means for elastically returning the lever of the speed controller speeds towards the neutral position in a transverse direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The controller has a support casing (1), and a lever (2) hingeably mounted around a longitudinal axis with respect to the casing. The lever pivots, from a neutral position, in a transversal direction around the axis. A detection unit detects two different positions of the lever obtained by pivoting the lever around the axis from the position in a speed selection mode i.e. manual mode, where the controller operates according to handbrake mode. The lever swivels around the axis between two braking positions corresponding to absence of braking and a maximum braking in the mode.