Multi-Directional Knob Input With Shared Switch Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-directional input devices are difficult to miniaturize and cost-reduce due to the need for additional detection switches to accommodate perpendicular pressing-down manipulations, which complicates the design and increases size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional input device design that incorporates a manipulation knob capable of horizontal and perpendicular movements, utilizing a common switch that generates a distinct feedback feeling for both types of manipulations, reducing the number of switches required and thus the device's size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a detection switch is added to detect perpendicular pressing-down manipulation, then the manipulation detection capability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common switch is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting both horizontal movement manipulation and perpendicular pressing-down manipulation. By making the switch universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection switches for different manipulation types, thereby reducing device size while maintaining comprehensive manipulation detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection function for both movement and pressing-down manipulations into a single common switch. This consolidation approach combines what would traditionally require separate switches into one integrated component, reducing the overall device size and component count while preserving all manipulation detection capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If a detection switch is added to detect perpendicular pressing-down manipulation, then the manipulation detection capability is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common switch serves multiple detection purposes, making it a universal component that replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized switches. This universality reduces the total component count, leading to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining full manipulation detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the detection functions for movement and pressing-down manipulations into a single common switch, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, sourced, and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces device cost while preserving all manipulation detection capabilities
3Ease of operation
If multiple switches are used to generate different manipulation feelings, then the manipulation feedback quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common switch is designed to provide different manipulation feelings through its inherent mechanical characteristics while maintaining a single component. This multi-functional design allows one switch to replace multiple switches, reducing device complexity while preserving differentiated feedback quality for various manipulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the common switch (such as spring constant, contact force, or mechanical geometry) to generate different manipulation feelings for different types of manipulations. By adjusting these parameters, the single switch can provide differentiated feedback quality without requiring multiple switches, thereby reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional input device has: a manipulation knob for which a movement manipulation in a horizontal direction and a pressing-down manipulation in a perpendicular direction are possible; a manipulation direction detection switch that is switched to an on-state when the movement manipulation is performed on the manipulation knob; and a common switch that is pressed down both when the movement manipulation is performed on the manipulation knob and when the pressing-down manipulation is performed on the manipulation knob, by which the common switch generates a different manipulation feeling than the manipulation direction detection switch and is switched to an on-state.