Operable Member Cover Structure for Stable Input Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices and controllers face challenges in maintaining consistent contact between the head of an operable member and a cover, leading to potential operational interference and reduced user experience.
Innovation Solution
The input device and controller incorporate a shaft, head, cover, and cover protector design where the cover protector surrounds the shaft and maintains contact with the cover, reducing unintended user interaction and enhancing operational stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover is placed over the head of the operable member without additional protective structures, then the device structure is simple, but the contact between the head and cover cannot be maintained consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The cover protector is nested around the shaft, creating a layered protective structure. The cover protector (outer layer) surrounds the shaft, while the cover (inner layer) covers the head, forming a nested configuration that maintains contact between the head and cover through the intermediary support of the cover protector
Solution Approach 2:
The cover protector acts as an intermediary element between the shaft and the cover. By surrounding the shaft and contacting the cover, it mediates the interaction between these components, ensuring consistent contact between the head and cover while preventing direct interference
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cover tightly covers the head to maintain contact, then operational stability is improved, but unintended user interaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into two distinct components: the cover that tightly covers the head for stability, and the cover protector that surrounds the shaft as a separate element. This segmentation allows the cover to maintain tight contact for operational stability while the cover protector provides an additional layer that prevents direct unintended user interaction with the head
3Ease of operation
If the operable member is made accessible without protective elements, then ease of operation is improved, but interference and operational stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structures are strategically positioned to provide local protection without compromising overall accessibility. The cover covers only the head portion while the cover protector surrounds the shaft, creating localized protective zones that maintain operational ease for necessary interactions while preventing harmful interference
Data Source
AI summary
An input device and a controller can maintain the contact between a head of an operable member and a cover. The input device includes a module housing, and an operable member protruding from a surface of the module housing. The operable member is tiltable or slidable in a plane direction parallel to the surface of the module housing. The operable member includes a shaft, a head, a cover, and a cover protector. The shaft extends in a direction intersecting with the plane direction of the module housing. The head is located outside the module housing and is connected to an end of the shaft. The head extends in the plane direction. The cover covers an upper portion and a lower portion of the head. The cover protector surrounds the shaft. The cover protector is in contact with a portion of the cover covering the lower portion of the head.