Compound Input Knob Layout for Accurate Slide-Rotation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compound-operation input devices often experience detection errors due to the second detector mistakenly detecting movements in the rotating direction during sliding operations, leading to incorrect differentiation between sliding and rotating operations.
Innovation Solution
A compound-operation input device is designed with a pair of noncontact detectors, such as two-phase transmissive photointerrupters, positioned across the rotation axis and orthogonal to the sliding direction, allowing for accurate detection of movement direction and amount by distinguishing between rotating and sliding operations based on the timing of light beam blockage and reception signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second detector is provided to detect rotation direction and amount, then rotational operation detection capability is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to false detection during sliding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent detector systems: a first detector dedicated to detecting sliding operations and a second detector dedicated to detecting rotating operations. Each detector is positioned and configured to detect only its intended operation type, preventing cross-interference and false detection between sliding and rotating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the specific positioning of detectors relative to the cylindrical member and holder/slider) that mediates between the sliding and rotating operations. The first detector is positioned inside the circle defined by the cylindrical member to detect only sliding, while the second detector is positioned outside to detect only rotation, creating a spatial intermediary that prevents detection errors.
2Measurement precision
If detector positioning is optimized for rotation detection, then rotational detection precision is improved, but sliding operation detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two independent detection zones: an inner zone (first detector inside the circle) for reliable sliding detection and an outer zone (second detector outside the circle) for precise rotation detection. This spatial segmentation ensures that each detector operates in its optimal zone without interfering with the other's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a single-dimension detection approach to a two-dimensiona lspatial arrangement. Detectors are positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, creating a dimensional separation that allows both sliding and rotating operations to be detected reliably and precisely simultaneously.
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
This configuration enables correct detection of both sliding and rotating operations without imposing limitations on the sliding movement amount, providing a high degree of design freedom and ensuring accurate operation differentiation regardless of the timing or size relationship between the pitch of projections and the operation stroke.
Implementation Method 1
a noncontact detector including a plurality of noncontact sensors and configured to detect a direction of movement and an amount of movement of a detection object, the detection object moving together with the operating member
Data Source
AI summary
A compound-operation input device includes an operating member; a rotary mechanism configured to hold the operating member such that the operating member is rotatable; a slide mechanism configured to support the operating member such that the operating member is slidable in a sliding direction intersecting a rotation axis of the rotary mechanism; and a noncontact detector including a plurality of noncontact sensors and configured to detect a direction of movement and an amount of movement of a detection object, the detection object moving together with the operating member. The noncontact detector is one of a pair of noncontact detectors provided across the rotation axis from each other on a rotation locus of the detection object, the pair of noncontact detectors being at respective positions on a straight line orthogonal to the sliding direction.