Multidirectional Input Member With Loop Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable resistance devices are limited in specifying operation direction and pressure within a small region, making them unsuitable for devices that require multidirectional input in a plane, such as video game instruments and remote controllers.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional input member comprising a base plate with a looped sensor of non-contacting electrodes and an operation plate with a tapered resistant rubber protrusion, along with a control unit that specifies the pressing location based on electrical resistance changes, allowing for vector generation and composition to determine input direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional variable resistance device with a resistant rubber member and PCB is used, then resistance can be varied by contact area between the rubber member and electrodes, but the device is limited to specifying operation direction and pressure within a small region only
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple groups of non-contacting electrodes arranged in a loop pattern around the central axis. Each group detects resistance changes in specific directional segments, enabling comprehensive multidirectional input detection across a large operation plane while maintaining precise position specification through segmented electrical contact zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional planar PCB electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional looped electrode configuration that surrounds the central axis vertically. This dimensional change enables detection of pressing operations from any direction (up, down, left, right, diagonals, front, back) while expanding the effective operation region beyond the limitations of flat PCB surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the resistant rubber member contacts a plurality of electrodes on a PCB, then electrical resistance between electrodes changes with joystick position and pressure, but the device cannot point in any direction in a plane
Solution Approach 1:
The looped sensor configuration with multiple electrode groups serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects pressing operations from any direction (8 cardinal and intercardinal directions), measures pressure magnitude through resistance changes, and identifies precise position within the operation plane. This universal design enables a single device structure to replace multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a resistant rubber member with dispersed conducting particles (such as carbon black) in elastomer, integrated with a looped electrode sensor. This composite material approach enables the rubber member to function both as a flexible pressing interface and as a variable resistance element, while the looped electrode configuration provides comprehensive directional detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If a joystick is freely moved on electrodes located on a PCB, then operation position and pressure can be specified with high accuracy, but the footprint contact area is limited to a small region
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple groups of non-contacting electrodes arranged in a loop pattern around the central axis. Each group detects resistance changes in specific directional segments, enabling comprehensive multidirectional input detection across a large operation plane while maintaining precise position specification through segmented electrical contact zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional planar PCB electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional looped electrode configuration that surrounds the central axis vertically. This dimensional change enables detection of pressing operations from any direction (up, down, left, right, diagonals, front, back) while expanding the effective operation region beyond the limitations of flat PCB surfaces.
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
Enables accurate detection of operation direction and pressure across a rectangular operation plane, enhancing the capability of devices to point in any direction, improving upon the limitations of conventional variable resistance devices.
Implementation Method 1
The conventional variable resistance device varies resistance by a contact area between a resistant rubber member and a plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional input member according to the present invention includes a base plate on which a looped sensor that includes a plurality of groups of non-contacting electrodes configured in a loop is formed and an operation plate locating opposite to the base plate. The operation plate has a first loop-shaped protrusion that is located at a plane opposite to the base plate, that is protruded toward the base plate side, that is opposite to the looped sensor, and that is configured with a resistant rubber member. The first protrusion has a configuration in which its sectional area of a plane parallel to the base plate is tapered in the direction from the operation plate side toward the base plate side.