Multi-Directional Input Linkage for Push-Tilt Motion Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional input devices face issues where a push motion applied to the manipulation member can mistakenly affect the detection of a swing motion, leading to inaccurate input recognition.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional input device design featuring a manipulation member that tilts and swings around two axes, with a linked member having a flexible portion acting as a flexural fulcrum to separate displacements, and a flexure detection unit to distinguish between push and tilt motions, using magnetic sensors for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a linked member is used to detect both tilting motion and push motion, then the device can recognize multiple input types, but the push motion affects the detection of swing motion leading to inaccurate input recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The linked member is divided into multiple sections: a first linked member connected to the manipulation member for detecting push motion, and a second linked member connected to the first linked member for detecting tilt motion. This segmentation isolates the detection functions so that push motion is detected by the first linked member without interfering with the swing motion detection of the second linked member.
Solution Approach 2:
The first linked member acts as an intermediary between the manipulation member and the second linked member. It transmits only the relevant motion components to the second linked member while filtering out the push motion component, thereby preventing interference in the swing motion detection.
2Measurement precision
If the linked member is pivotally supported to swing around a predetermined axis, then the swing motion can be detected, but the push motion causes displacement that interferes with swing detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two separate detection paths: one for push motion (first linked member with first swing detection section) and one for tilt motion (second linked member with second swing detection section). This segmentation ensures that push motion affects only the first detection path and not the second.
Solution Approach 2:
The push motion detection function is extracted from the swing detection mechanism by using a separate first linked member and first swing detection section. This extraction allows the second linked member to focus solely on detecting tilt motion without interference from push motion.
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 effectively prevents push motions from interfering with swing motion detection, enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of input recognition by clearly distinguishing between different types of movements.
Implementation Method 1
When the linked member swings, a relative position between the magnet and the magnetic sensor changes. Therefore, a change of in magnetic force from the magnet is detected by the magnetic sensor to sense the swing of the linked member.
Implementation Method 2
The flexure of the first portion due to an external force applied to the connecting portion from the manipulation member is detected by a flexure detection unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional input device has: a housing; a tiltable manipulation member that swings around an axis; a linked member, which has a pivotally supported section supported by the housing so as to be swingable around the axis and also has a connecting portion in contact with the manipulation member, the linked member swinging in response to a tilting motion applied to the manipulation member; and a swing detection section that detects the swing of the linked member. The linked member has a flexible portion, located between a connecting portion and the pivotally supported section, that serves as a flexural fulcrum for the flexure of a first portion including the connecting portion with respect to a second portion including the pivotally supported section. The flexure of the first portion due to an external force applied to the connecting portion from the manipulation member is detected by a flexure detection unit.