Multifunctional Rotary Knob With Radial And Linear Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control elements for electronic devices, such as musical instruments, suffer from instability and inexact controllability due to complex constructions, leading to reduced durability and limited functionality, particularly with rotary knobs that incorporate pressure switch functions and additional mechanical degrees of freedom.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional control element featuring a rotary knob mounted on a radial bearing with a rotary sensor, allowing for rotary, pivoted, and sliding displacements, along with integrated switches and sensors for precise signal creation, and an optional capacitive touch and snap element for enhanced functionality and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary knob is fixed onto a center axis with additional movable functions (pressure switch, tilting), then the control element offers diverse functionalities, but the rotary knob becomes wobbly and unstable in its resting position
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is divided into separate functional modules: a stable rotary knob module for rotation, a separate push button module for pressure activation, and a separate joystick module for tilting movements. Each module has its own stable mounting structure, eliminating the wobble caused by combining multiple functions on a single movable axis.
Solution Approach 2:
A stable center axis serves as an intermediary structure that supports the rotary knob firmly, while separate movable components handle pressure and tilting functions. This intermediary axis provides a stable reference point that prevents the rotary knob from becoming wobbly when additional functions are added.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary knob with pressure switch function uses a downward movable rotation axis, then pressure switching is enabled, but the downward push becomes difficult or impossible in the off-center area of the knob
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure activation function is separated from the rotary knob structure and implemented as an independent push button mechanism. This allows pressure activation to be achieved from any position on the control surface without requiring the rotary knob itself to move downward, eliminating the off-center push limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire rotary knob movable for pressure activation, a separate push button component is added that replicates the pressure switch function. This copied function can be activated from any position on the control surface, solving the accessibility problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical degrees of freedom are added to a rotary knob (tilting, downward movement), then additional functions are enabled, but the control element durability decreases due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
Each degree of freedom (rotation, pushing, tilting) is implemented as a separate mechanical module with its own stable mounting and movement mechanism. This segmentation prevents the cumulative instability that would result from combining multiple movable functions on a single structure, thereby improving durability while maintaining versatility.
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 control element provides stable, precise, and durable input implementation with diverse functionalities, including rotary, push, sideward sliding, capacitive touch, and pressure sensing functions, improving controllability and extending device usability.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary knob (3) which is rotatably mounted on a radial bearing (5) with a radial bearing mount (4)
Implementation Method 2
at least one linear bearing (14a, 14b) provided on the shaft (12) for permitting a sliding displacement of the rotary knob mount (6) and the rotary knob (3) mounted thereon with the radial bearing (5) along the shaft (12)
Implementation Method 3
a rotary knob mount (6) which receives the rotary knob (3), as well as the radial bearing (5) and the radial bearing mount (4), and which is pivotable around a shaft (12) mounted to a mounting plate (10), wherein the shaft (12) extends in a direction parallel to the plane of the mounting plate (10) and wherein the plane of the mounting plate (10) extends vertically to the rotation axis of the rotary knob (3)
Implementation Method 4
connected to a rotary sensor (17) for creating signals related to the rotary direction and the rotary speed of the rotary knob (3)
Implementation Method 5
a switch (9) provided on the mounting plate (10) for creating signals related to the downward displacement of the rotary knob mount (6) with the rotary knob (3) mounted thereon
Implementation Method 6
switches (16a, 16b) provided on the mounting plate (10) for creating signals related to the sliding displacement of the rotary knob mount (6) and the rotary knob (3) mounted thereon with the radial bearing (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional control element is disclosed, comprising a rotary knob which is rotatably mounted on a radial bearing with a radial bearing mount, and which is connected to a rotary sensor for creating signals related to rotary direction and rotary speed of the rotary knob; a rotary knob mount which receives the rotary knob, as well as the radial bearing and the radial bearing mount, and which is pivotable around a shaft mounted to a mounting plate, wherein a switch is provided on the mounting plate for creating signals related to downward displacement of the rotary knob mount with the radial bearing; and at least one linear bearing provided on the shaft for permitting sliding displacement of the rotary knob mount with the radial bearing along the shaft, wherein switches are provided on the mounting plate for creating signals related to the sliding displacement of the rotary knob mount.