Multi-directional Input Device with Selective Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional input operation devices for vehicles face challenges in providing a tactile feel and efficient operation in multiple directions due to complex mechanisms and size constraints, particularly when integrating a motor-driven tilting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional input operation device featuring movable and counter magnetic bodies that automatically move an operation member between positions, with a coupling mechanism that transmits driving force and can be selectively engaged or disengaged, allowing for tilting motions in multiple directions while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven tilting mechanism is integrated into the operation device, then automatic movement between positions is enabled, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is nested within the housing structure, with the arm pivoting within the defined space. The magnetic bodies are positioned within the arm and housing, utilizing the existing structural volume efficiently. This nesting approach enables automatic movement functionality while maintaining a compact overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm pivots about a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the tilting direction, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the automatic movement mechanism. This dimensional approach allows the motor-driven mechanism to operate without increasing the footprint in the tilting direction, thereby maintaining compact device size while enabling automation.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic bodies are used to provide tactile feel, then operation sense is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attraction and repulsion forces between the movable magnetic body and fixed magnetic bodies replace complex mechanical spring mechanisms or cam mechanisms that would traditionally be used to provide tactile feedback. This substitution simplifies the overall mechanism while delivering effective tactile feel through magnetic field interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile characteristics are controlled by changing magnetic field parameters such as the strength, position, and configuration of the magnetic bodies. By adjusting these magnetic parameters, the tactile feel can be optimized without adding mechanical complexity, as the magnetic field properties can be tuned independently of the mechanical structure.
3Productivity
If the coupling mechanism is always engaged, then automatic movement is continuous, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is selectively engaged and disengaged based on the operational requirements. The coupling engages when automatic movement between positions is needed and disengages when manual operation is required or when the operation member is stationary. This periodic engagement pattern maintains productivity when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle or manual operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions between engaged and disengaged states dynamically based on operational needs. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt its energy consumption to actual usage requirements, engaging the motor-driven automatic movement only when necessary rather than operating continuously, thereby optimizing the balance between productivity and energy efficiency.
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 provides a strong operation sense and tactile feel for the operator, enables automatic movement of the operation member at desirable timings, and reduces the overall size and energy consumption, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of movable-side magnetic bodies that perform the tilting motion together with the operation member; a plurality of counter-side magnetic bodies arranged to respectively face and attract the plurality of movable-side magnetic bodies at the plurality of positions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A multi-directional input operation device (101) includes an operation member (21), a support body (22), position detecting means (5S), mutually facing movable-side magnetic bodies (MM) and counter-side magnetic bodies (TM), a motor (M7) that causes the operation member to automatically perform a moving motion, a driving control unit (57), and a coupling mechanism (J8) that transmits a driving force of the motor. When the operation member is moved between first and second positions, if the movement is by an operator, the driving control unit separates the coupling mechanism to the outside of a movable range of the operation member, if the movement is automatic, the driving control unit brings the coupling mechanism into contact with the operation member and transmits the driving force to separate the movable-side magnetic bodies from the counter-side magnetic bodies. The device is preferably applied to a vehicle shift device (600).