Magnetic Click Operation Device Without Coil Springs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional operation devices face challenges in improving durability while reducing size, particularly due to the use of compression coil springs which compromise durability and increase device size.

Innovation Solution

The operation device incorporates a tilting operation member supported by a permanent magnet, with strategically positioned magnetic bodies that restrict tilting in specific directions, utilizing a support body and magnetic forces to maintain position and generate a click feeling without the need for a compression coil spring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a compression coil spring is used to generate click feeling, then the operation device can provide tactile feedback, but the durability deteriorates due to sliding parts and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compression coil spring system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic attraction forces that provide click feeling without requiring sliding parts or spring mechanisms, thereby improving durability while maintaining compact size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the compression coil spring and sliding parts from the system. By eliminating these mechanical components that cause wear and increase size, the patent achieves improved durability and reduced device volume while maintaining the click feedback function through magnetic forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration enhances durability and reduces device size by leveraging magnetic forces for click feedback, overcoming the limitations of compression coil springs in terms of durability and size.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent magnet configured to tilt to a first side in accordance with a tilt operation of the operation member in the one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a first magnetic body configured to face the first side of the permanent magnet in an initial state in which the operation member is at the reference position, the first magnetic body being configured to tilt in accordance with the tilt operation of the operation member from the reference position in the one direction, and being configured to be restricted from tilting in accordance with a tilt operation of the operation member from the reference position in another direction of the first axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3739423B1Operation device
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3739423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3739423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3739423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an operation device including an operation member that is configured to be tilted, a support body configured to support the operation member, and to allow the operation member to be tilted from a reference position in one direction of a first axis direction, a permanent magnet configured to tilt to a first side in accordance with a tilt operation of the operation member in the one direction, a first magnetic body configured to face the first side of the permanent magnet in an initial state in which the operation member is at the reference position, the first magnetic body being configured to tilt in accordance with the tilt operation of the operation member from the reference position in the one direction, and being configured to be restricted from tilting in accordance with a tilt operation of the operation member from the reference position in another direction of the first axis direction, a second magnetic body configured to face a second side opposite to the first side of the permanent magnet in the initial state, the second magnetic body being configured to be restricted from tilting in accordance with the tilt operation of the operation member from the reference position in the one direction, and a third magnetic body configured to, in the initial state, face the permanent magnet such that the third magnetic body is farther away from the permanent magnet toward the first side than the first magnetic body.