Hall Sensor Joystick with Ball Joint for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Hall effect joysticks face issues such as complex assembly, large mechanical clearances, difficult magnet-sensor alignment, inaccuracy in returning to neutral position, insufficient feedback near neutral position, and large size, which affect precision and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A Hall effect joystick design featuring a ball joint with two elements of the same radius, a fixed base, and a pivotable handle with a sensor/magnet assembly, allowing for compact assembly and precise magnetic field measurement, along with return springs and balancing means for improved feedback and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Hall effect joystick design with multiple parts is used, then movement detection capability is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and mechanical clearances become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle, extension, sensor, and magnet into a single integrated assembly that moves as one unit. The handle (12) with extension (25) carries the magnet (26) and sensor (27) together, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and temporary holding mechanisms, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational movement detection, houses the magnetic field detection assembly, and eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or holders. The head (21) and cup (22) structure universally supports both the mechanical rotation and the sensor assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts with temporary holding mechanisms are used, then assembly flexibility is achieved, but mechanical clearances increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the sensor and magnet into the handle assembly that moves with the handle, the patent eliminates gaps between separate components. The magnet (26) and sensor (27) are fixed relative to each other on the same moving assembly, ensuring constant, precise spacing without temporary holding mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If complex assembly with multiple parts is used, then detection coverage is improved, but adjustment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor (27) and magnet (26) are integrated on the same moving assembly (handle with extension), eliminating the need for separate alignment operations. They move together as one unit, ensuring automatic alignment and eliminating adjustment difficulties while maintaining full detection coverage.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional joystick design is used, then structural stability is achieved, but size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the sensor assembly and magnet within the handle structure itself. The extension (25) penetrates into the cup (22) interior space, and the magnet (26) and sensor (27) are housed within the ball joint structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall size while maintaining structural stability.
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 design results in a joystick that is precise, compact, easy to assemble, and provides accurate feedback, capable of detecting small displacements and returning to neutral position effectively, enhancing user experience and precision in gaming and control applications.
Implementation Method 1
contactless detection, using the Hall effect. In this case, a magnet is generally placed at the lower end of the handle, and sensors are provided (which can also be distributed in a cross, two along the x axis and two along the y axis). The sensors note the variations of the magnetic field, and the position of the magnet, and therefore that of the handle, is deduced therefrom.
Data Source
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AI summary
The joystick has a handle (12) that is moved in relation to a base, and a ball joint with two ball joint elements (21, 22), where one of the ball joint elements is fixed with respect to the base and has an interior space. The other ball joint element is attached to the handle. An extension (25) of the handle penetrates into the interior space, where lower extremity of the extension of the handle is displaced in the interior space. The lower extremity of the extension is provided with a sensor (27) e.g. Hall effect sensor, and/or a magnet (26) of a Hall effect movement detection assembly. An independent claim is also included for a manufacturing process for a joystick.