Operation Lever Linking Structure for Higher Twisting Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices have low strength when the operation lever is twisted in a circumferential direction due to the distortion of the main body of the first interlocking member, which is caused by the through hole design.
Innovation Solution
The linking structure includes a first interlocking member with a blind elongated hole and a pivotable operation lever that tilts to resist distortion, featuring a cross-shaped or X-shaped configuration with ridges and reinforcing portions to enhance strength during twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first interlocking member is designed with a through hole (first elongated hole) to allow the operation lever to pass through, then the operation lever can be installed and operated, but the main body of the first interlocking member has low rigidity and distorts when the operation lever is twisted, resulting in low twisting strength
Solution Approach 1:
The first elongated hole is segmented into multiple sections by reinforcing ribs that extend from the bottom surface to the opening. These ribs divide the hole into multiple compartments, providing structural support while maintaining the through-hole configuration for lever passage. This segmentation prevents distortion of the main body during twisting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcing ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations around the first elongated hole where stress concentration occurs during twisting. These ribs locally strengthen the main body without requiring a complete structural redesign, maintaining low rigidity where needed for lever operation while providing high strength where needed for twisting resistance.
2Quantity of substance
If the main body of the first interlocking member is made with a frame-like shape to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but the structure has low rigidity and distorts under twisting loads
Solution Approach 1:
The frame-like main body is enhanced by segmenting the hollow space with reinforcing ribs that create multiple internal compartments. This segmentation maintains the lightweight frame structure while preventing distortion under load by distributing stresses across multiple rigid sections rather than allowing the entire frame to deform.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body combines the frame-like structure with reinforcing ribs to create a composite structural system. The frame provides the basic lightweight geometry while the ribs add localized stiffness, creating a composite structure that achieves both low material usage and high rigidity simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention improves the strength of the operation lever being twisted in a circumferential direction. A linking structure L includes an interlocking member 200a and an operation lever 100. The elongated hole 211a of the interlocking member 200a extends in the Y-Y' direction and opens in the Z direction. The bottom 216a of the interlocking member 200a closes the elongated hole 211a on the Z'-direction side and is contiguous with an edge 212a on the X-direction side, an edge 213a on the X'-direction side, an edge 214a on the Y-direction side, and an edge 215a on the Y'-direction side of the elongated hole 211a. The shaft holes 217a of the interlocking member 200a extend from the elongated hole 211a in the X and X' directions, respectively. The operation lever 100 includes a base 111, juts 120a and 120b, and rotation shafts 130a and 130b. The juts 120a and 120b extend from the base 111 in the Y and Y' directions, respectively, are swingably received in the elongated hole 211a, and abut the edges 212a and 213b. The rotation shafts 130a and 130b extend from the base 111 in the X and X' directions, respectively, and are supported in the shaft holes 217a and 217a, respectively.