Multidirectional Input Structure for Small-Load Press Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multidirectional input devices fail to accurately detect small pressing operations due to the elastic plate not deforming until a pressing operation is initiated, preventing strain detectors from functioning.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional input device with a strain inducing body, plunger, strain detecting elements, substrate, and elastic member, where the strain inducing body is fixed to a device main body, allowing detection of very small pressing operations with high accuracy through strain detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an elastic plate is used to detect pressing operations, then the device can perform multidirectional detection, but the elastic plate does not deform until pressing operation is initiated, preventing detection of very small loads
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic plate is divided into multiple independent elastic elements (first, second, third, and fourth elastic elements) positioned at different locations. Each element can deform independently in response to pressing operations, allowing the strain detectors to detect even very small loads by measuring the deformation of individual elements rather than requiring overall plate deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple strain detectors are provided on an elastic plate, then multidirectional detection capability is achieved, but the device cannot detect very small pressing operations
Solution Approach 1:
Strain detectors are strategically positioned to contact specific portions of the elastic elements at locations optimized for detecting deformation in different directions. This local placement ensures that each strain detector is positioned where it can most effectively measure the deformation of its corresponding elastic element, enabling both multidirectional detection and high sensitivity to small loads.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic plate structure is used, then the device can detect operation direction, but the plate requires significant force to deform, preventing detection of small loads
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are designed with specific structural characteristics that allow them to deform dynamically in response to pressing operations. The elements can deform elastically in multiple directions depending on the applied force, and their deformation characteristics change based on the magnitude and direction of the pressing operation, enabling detection of both operation direction and very small loads.
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 can accurately detect small loads in both tilting and pressing operations, providing high precision strain detection and a click feeling upon exceeding a predetermined pressing amount.
Implementation Method 1
a strain detecting element provided at the deformable portion of the strain inducing body
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member provided between the substrate and a bottom portion of the plunger
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional input device is capable of performing a tilting operation and a pressing operation. The device includes a strain inducing body that includes a cylindrical portion and one or more deformable portions provided on an outer side of the cylindrical portion, a plunger provided inside of the cylindrical portion of the strain inducing body, a strain detecting element provided at the deformable portion of the strain inducing body, a substrate provided on a bottom portion of the cylindrical portion of the strain inducing body, and an elastic member provided between the substrate and a bottom portion of the plunger. The strain inducing body is fixed to a device main body at an outer end portion of the deformable portion. The substrate is fixed to the strain inducing body.