Adjustable Joystick Handle Locking for Ergonomic Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joystick input devices lack adjustability in height, leading to user discomfort and strain, as the optimal height depends on individual preferences and anatomical factors, such as palm size or thumb length, which is not accommodated by standard fixed or retractable designs.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable joystick input device with a handle that is displaceable along a shaft, featuring a fastening member that engages the shaft through interlocking mechanisms or frictional forces, allowing the handle to be locked at various vertical positions, ensuring ergonomic fit for users by adjusting to their preferred height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle height is fixed in standard joystick designs, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but users experience discomfort and strain due to inability to adjust to their anatomical preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is made displaceable along the shaft, transforming the static fixed-height structure into a dynamic adjustable-height structure. This allows the handle to move to different vertical positions and be locked at the desired height, enabling adaptation to different user anatomical characteristics while maintaining operational stability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick is divided into separable components: the shaft with coupling structures and the handle with fastening member. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the handle position relative to the shaft, enabling height customization without redesigning the entire device structure
2Measurement precision
If the handle height is increased for finer control in stick controllers, then control precision is improved, but the device becomes less adaptable to users with different palm sizes and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable handle height transforms a static precision-control design into a dynamic system that can adapt its effective length. Users can select shorter heights for coarse control or taller heights for fine control, with the fastening member and coupling structures ensuring stable transmission of control inputs at any selected position
3Volume of moving object
If the handle height is decreased for compactness in thumbsticks, then the device size is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates due to thumb strain
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable handle allows the device to transition between a compact configuration (handle closer to base) and an extended configuration (handle taller). Users can adjust the handle to an optimal height that reduces thumb strain while maintaining a relatively compact overall device footprint compared to fixed-height designs
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
Enables users to customize the joystick height to their comfort, reducing strain and improving control precision by allowing the handle to be set to optimal positions, enhancing user experience across different gaming and simulation applications.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening member that engages the shaft through interlocking mechanisms or frictional forces, allowing the handle to be locked at various vertical positions
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
According to various embodiments, there is provided an input device including a handle configured to receive a force exerted by a user; a shaft coupled to the handle such that the force exerted on the handle is at least partially received on the shaft; wherein the handle is displaceable along a height of the shaft; wherein the handle includes a fastening member releasably biased to exert a force on a upper portion of the shaft in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the height of the shaft.