Multidirectional Input Device Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multidirectional input devices in vehicles suffer from erroneous detection due to voltage signal variations caused by ambient temperature changes or power supply voltage fluctuations, leading to malfunctions in detecting sliding operations.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional input device with a cam part, restraint member, and dual position detectors, including a light receiving/emitting element and reflection part, which corrects threshold values based on voltage signal changes to accurately determine the neutral and operating positions, preventing erroneous detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light receiving/emitting element is used to detect position, then detection capability is provided, but voltage signal variations due to ambient temperature or power supply fluctuations cause erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using the second position detector to monitor the neutral position and dynamically adjusting the threshold value based on detected position changes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for voltage signal variations caused by temperature or power supply fluctuations, maintaining reliable detection accuracy under varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured by introducing a second position detector that monitors the neutral position directly. By detecting position changes through the restraint member's movement and using this information to adjust threshold values, the system transforms the detection approach from relying solely on voltage signal intensity to using position-based threshold adjustment, thereby compensating for environmental variations.
2Device complexity
If a single position detector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but erroneous detection occurs due to inability to distinguish voltage variations from actual position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint member acts as an intermediary element that mechanically couples the movable body's position to the second position detector. This intermediary mechanism translates the neutral position information into a detectable form without requiring direct electronic sensing of the movable body, thereby adding detection capability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If threshold value is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but erroneous direction detection occurs under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold value adjustable rather than fixed. The threshold value is dynamically changed based on the neutral position detected by the second position detector, allowing the system to adapt to environmental variations. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable operation detection while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through electronic control.
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 reliably detects the neutral and operating positions, reducing erroneous direction detection and ensuring stable operation even under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving/emitting element and a reflection part
Implementation Method 2
a restraint member having a tip which is in elastic contact with the cam part to urge the movable body to the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional input device includes a case, and a movable body that is restrained from rotating relative to the case, disposed so as to face the case, and mounted on the case so as to be movable in directions with a predetermined neutral position as a base point. The multidirectional input device further includes a first position detector that outputs a first signal in response to a position of the movable body, and a cam part formed on one of a surface, facing the case, of the movable body, and a surface, facing the movable body, of the case. The multidirectional input device further includes a restraint member having a tip which is in elastic contact with the cam part to urge the movable body to the neutral position, and a second position detector that outputs a second signal in response to a position of the restraint member.