Joystick Switch Magnetic Detection Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joystick type switch devices face issues with durability due to wear and increased component count, as they require separate switches to detect pushing and tilting operations, leading to stress on the base plate and a large number of components.
Innovation Solution
A joystick type switch device with a magnet on the operating shaft and three magnetic elements on the base plate, allowing detection of tilting in eight directions without wear, using click mechanisms to provide a click feel and reduce component count by integrating pushing and tilting detection into a single magnetic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate contact type switches are used to detect pushing and tilting operations, then detection functionality is achieved, but wear of contact parts occurs and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (pushing detection and tilting detection in eight directions) into a single magnetic detection system. The magnet attached to the operating shaft interacts with magnetic elements in the base plate to detect both axial pushing movements and radial tilting movements, eliminating the need for separate contact switches for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact type switches with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using physical contacts that wear out, the invention uses a magnet and magnetic elements to detect position and movement through magnetic field interactions, thereby eliminating wear and improving durability.
2Reliability
If multiple separate switches are used for detecting pushing and tilting operations, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detection system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects pushing operations (axial movement), tilting operations in eight directions, and provides click feel feedback. The same magnet and magnetic element arrangement handles all detection tasks, making the system universal and multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate switches into a single integrated magnetic detection system. The base plate with magnetic elements and the magnet on the operating shaft work together to provide comprehensive detection capabilities that previously required multiple separate components.
3Ease of operation
If contact type switches are used for detection, then pushing and tilting operations can be detected, but stress acts on the base plate and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact detection with magnetic field detection. The magnet and magnetic elements interact through magnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the transmission of mechanical stress to the base plate while maintaining accurate detection of operating shaft movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the operating shaft and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the operating shaft and switches, the magnetic field transmits position and movement information, preventing stress transmission to the base plate.
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 enhances durability and reduces component and cost by eliminating wear and stress on the base plate, while providing a click feel that enhances cursor operation on screens by changing cursor speed based on tilt angle.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet (41) is mounted on the other end of the operating shaft (16), and at least three magnetic elements (43A to 43D), facing the magnet (41), are fixed to a portion of the base plate (22) mounted on the case (18)
Data Source
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AI summary
A joystick type switch device is provided that includes an operating shaft having an operating knob provided at one end, and a case supporting the operating shaft so that the operating shaft can move between a return position and a pushed-in position and tilt from a neutral position around a tilt center, it being possible to detect pushing of the operating shaft into the pushed-in position and tilting of the operating shaft from the neutral position into eight directions, wherein the operating shaft (16) has a magnet mounted at the other end, and a portion, facing the magnet, of a base plate (22) mounted on the case has at least three Hall elements (43A to 43D) fixed thereto at equal intervals around the axis of the operating shaft (16) in the neutral position. This enables excellent durability to be obtained and the number of components to be reduced.