Multi-directional Input Device Spherical Rotation Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-directional input devices experience differences in hand feeling when operating in different directions due to the reaction force acting on the rocker arms, leading to uneven operation.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a hemispherical upper hemisphere and a spherical rotation fit with the upper support, allowing the operator to be driven without reaction force acting on the rocker arms, enabling 360° arbitrary operation without hand feeling differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the operator is rotatably connected with one of the two rocker arms to limit the position, then the operator position is constrained, but the reaction force causes rocker arm deformation and different hand feelings in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The operator is segmented into two functional parts: a spherical upper portion that rotates freely within the hemispherical cavity (providing consistent hand feeling), and a lower portion connected to the rocker arms for position limiting. This segmentation allows the spherical part to rotate without generating reaction forces on the rocker arms, while the lower part maintains positional constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The hemispherical cavity acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the rocker arms. By allowing the operator's spherical portion to rotate within this cavity, the system mediates the rotation motion separately from the rocker arm actuation, preventing reaction forces from being transmitted to the rocker arms during rotation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the operator is connected to limit position, then rotational movement is controlled, but reaction force acts on rocker arms causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The operator structure is divided into a spherical upper portion for rotation and a lower portion for position limiting. The spherical portion rotates independently within the hemispherical cavity, separating the rotation function from the position limiting function, thereby preventing reaction forces from acting on the rocker arms during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement function is extracted from the rocker arm connection and relocated to the hemispherical cavity. This allows the operator to rotate without transmitting reaction forces to the rocker arms, preserving their structural integrity while maintaining rotational control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator rotates within hemispherical cavity, then 360° arbitrary operation is enabled, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator incorporates a spherical portion that rotates within a hemispherical cavity, utilizing spherical geometry to enable 360° arbitrary rotation in all directions. This curved surface design provides smooth rotation without binding, achieving full directional adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple geometric form.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a multi-directional input device and a game machine. The operating part includes a hemispherical upper hemisphere at a lower end. The upper hemisphere includes a hemispherical plane part at a lower part. Diameters of the hemispherical plane part and the upper hemisphere are the same. The diameter of the upper hemisphere is greater than that of the operating part. An upper support is fixed to the base and defines a hemispherical hole and hole wall of which is abutted against the upper hemisphere. The upper support further defines a through hole above the hemispherical hole, and the operating part is penetrated through the through hole. A diameter of the through hole is greater than that of the operating part. The upper support includes an upper support plane part below the hemispherical hole. A diameter of the upper support plane part is greater than that of the hemispherical hole.