Modular Input Apparatus Knob with Interchangeable Regulating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input apparatuses are designed for specific types of knob operations, making it impractical to use a single apparatus for multiple operation types, leading to increased design and production costs due to the need for separate designs for different operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with a modular design that includes a regulating member, which can be easily swapped to enable or disable certain operations of the knob, such as rotating, tilting, and pressing, by using different versions of the regulating member with or without ribs to fit into grooves on the second support member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional input apparatuses are individually designed for specific knob operations, then the apparatus can reliably perform its designated operation, but the design complexity and production costs increase due to needing separate designs for different operation types
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with multiple grooves that can accommodate different regulating members, allowing the same input apparatus to support various knob operations (rotation, tilt, pressing) by simply changing the regulating member. This universal design enables one apparatus to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is segmented into modular components: a fixed support member with grooves and interchangeable regulating members. The regulating member is a separate, replaceable component that can be detached and replaced based on the desired operation type, allowing flexible configuration without redesigning the entire apparatus.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate input apparatus designs are created for different knob operations, then each apparatus is optimized for its specific operation, but the design time and production man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is pre-designed with multiple grooves positioned to accommodate different regulating members for various operations. This preliminary preparation of the support structure allows for quick interchange of regulating members without requiring time-consuming redesign or reconfiguration of the base apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal support member design with multiple grooves can serve all operation types (rotation, tilt, pressing), eliminating the need to create separate optimized designs for each operation. The universal design maintains operational optimization while reducing design time through standardization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus structure is made flexible to support multiple operations, then adaptability improves, but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexibility is achieved by segmenting the apparatus into a fixed support member and interchangeable regulating members. This segmentation allows adaptability through component replacement rather than making the entire structure flexible or complex, maintaining simplicity in the base structure while enabling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the support member flexible or adjustable to accommodate different operations, the invention inverts the approach by making the regulating members interchangeable while keeping the support member fixed and simple. This reduces structural complexity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes a casing including an opening, a knob exposed to outside along a virtual central axis, a first support member that supports the knob so as to be capable of a first operation, a second support member that supports the first support member so as to be capable of a second operation of the knob, a first detection member that detects the first operation, a second detection member that detects the second operation, and a detachable regulating member that regulates movement of the second detection member. The second support member includes a groove extending parallel to the virtual central axis. When the second operation is to be disabled, the regulating member including a rib to be fitted in the groove is attached. When the second operation is to be enabled, the regulating member not including a rib to be fitted in the groove is attached.