Multi-directional Output Device with Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joysticks face issues with limited service life due to brush contact wear and accuracy challenges with bulky non-contact designs, which hinder miniaturization and performance.
Innovation Solution
A thin and small-sized non-contact multi-directional output device utilizing magnetic sensing, featuring a printed circuit board with first and second magnetic sensors, and a direction control unit with rotating and sliding driving bodies, magnets, and a shaft stick, allowing for precise control without contact wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon film resistors are used for joystick control, then contact operation is achieved, but service life is extremely limited due to brush contact wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based carbon film resistor system with a non-contact magnetic sensing system. Magnets are attached to the joystick stick, and magnetic sensors detect their position without physical contact, eliminating brush wear and extending service life while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the joystick stick and the sensing system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnets on the stick interact with magnetic sensors through the magnetic field, enabling contactless detection and eliminating wear problems.
2Reliability
If non-contact components such as Hall elements are used for joystick control, then contact wear is avoided, but the structure becomes complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the non-contact sensing system into modular components: small magnets attached to the joystick stick and corresponding magnetic sensors positioned in the housing. This segmentation allows for a simpler, more compact structure compared to bulky Hall element assemblies, while maintaining non-contact operation benefits.
3Reliability
If non-contact components are used for joystick control, then contact wear is avoided, but the size increases making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses small, compact magnets and magnetic sensors that can be miniaturized and integrated into the joystick housing. This segmented approach allows non-contact sensing functionality with a much smaller form factor compared to traditional Hall element assemblies, enabling device miniaturization while avoiding contact wear.
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
The device significantly increases service life by eliminating contact wear, enhances resetting accuracy and signal precision, and achieves a compact design suitable for miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact magnetic sensor is used so as to eliminate the wearing problem caused by brush contact
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional output device includes a printed circuit board on which first and second magnetic sensors are arranged, and a direction control unit arranged above the printed circuit board. The direction control unit includes: first and second rotating driving bodies; first and second sliding driving bodies respectively movably connected to the first and second rotating driving bodies; first and second magnets respectively fixed on the first and second sliding driving bodies; and a lower cover on which first and second slide grooves are provided, wherein the first and second sliding driving bodies are respectively slidably arranged in the first and second slide grooves, and the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are arranged corresponding to the first slide groove and the second slide groove, respectively.