Multi-Directional Input Mechanism for Neutral Return Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-directional input devices face challenges in reducing the space between the shaft support portion of interlock members and the receiving portion of the housing, leading to detection errors when the control member returns to a neutral position.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional input device with a second urging member that pushes the second shaft support portion against the housing, reducing the space between the shaft support portion and the housing, and includes a regulating member to stabilize the shaft support portion, using various urging member configurations to ensure stable support and reduce detection errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the space between the shaft support portion and the receiving portion of the housing is reduced, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning member is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft support portion and the receiving portion of the housing. This positioning member features a positioning surface that contacts the shaft support portion and a receiving surface that contacts the housing, thereby mediating the connection and enabling accurate positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the main housing and shaft support components
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the housing, the shaft support portion, and the separate positioning member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with reasonable tolerances, while the positioning member ensures the final assembly achieves the required alignment accuracy between the shaft support and housing
2Measurement precision
If the space between the shaft support portion and the receiving portion of the housing is reduced, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the shaft support portion accurately relative to the housing, provides a stable support surface, and maintains the reduced space configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved detection accuracy
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 solution effectively reduces the space between the shaft support portion and the housing, enhancing operational stability and accuracy of detection by minimizing misalignment and detection errors when the control member returns to the neutral position.
Implementation Method 1
a first urging member configured to urge the control member to push the first shaft support portion of the first interlock member against the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional input device includes a housing, a control member to be tilted, a first interlock member having a first shaft support portion supported by the housing turnably about a first turn axis and is turned with a tilting operation of the control member, a second interlock member having a second shaft support portion supported by the housing turnably about a second turn axis intersecting the first turn axis and is turned with a tilting operation of the control member, a first urging member to urge the control member to push the first shaft support portion against the housing and provide a return force for returning the control member to a neutral position, a second urging member to urge the second interlock member to push the second shaft support portion against the housing, and a turn detector to detect a turn of each of the first and second interlock members.