Joystick Tilt Detection Using Inductive Coil Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joystick controllers have a mechanically complex configuration that can lead to electrical circuit damage and mechanical failure, and they are not easily repositionable.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a coil constituting a resonant circuit housed in the operation shaft, allowing for directional tilt detection through electromagnetic induction coupling with a position detection sensor, and is mountable on a separate position detection sensor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotation support mechanism and detection sections are used to detect tilt operation, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation support mechanism and contact-based detection sections with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the operation shaft, and a magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position and orientation through magnetic field interaction, eliminating mechanical contact and complex support structures while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the operation shaft and the detection system. The magnet on the operation shaft generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic sensor, allowing non-contact detection of tilt operations and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If rotary potentiometers are used for detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary potentiometer system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnet and magnetic sensor enable contactless detection, eliminating wear between the variable resistance part and contact unit, as well as contamination from foreign matters, thereby significantly improving reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the joystick controller is mounted on a control board, then electrical connection is achieved, but adaptability decreases due to fixed installation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the joystick controller into separate functional modules: the operation shaft assembly with magnet, the case housing, and the magnetic sensor. This modular design allows the controller to be mounted in various positions and configurations while maintaining electrical connection and detection functionality, thereby improving adaptability.
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 simplifies the mechanical configuration, reduces the risk of mechanical and electrical failures, and allows for flexible repositioning of the input device.
Implementation Method 1
A coil constituting a resonant circuit for performing signal interaction through electromagnetic induction coupling with a position detection sensor is housed in the operation shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An input device is provided, which includes an operation shaft and a case configured to house the operation shaft such that a tilting operation to tilt an axial direction of the operation shaft to a desired direction can be performed. A coil constituting a resonant circuit for performing signal interaction through electromagnetic induction coupling with a position detection sensor is housed in the operation shaft, such that a direction of magnetic flux penetrating the coil is in the axial direction of the operation shaft. The operation shaft can be tilted to a desired direction within the case, with a predetermined position between a first end side and a second end side of the operation shaft in the axial direction of the operation shaft serving as a rotation center, so that a direction of tilt of the operation shaft and a magnitude of an angle of the tilt are detected.