Operating Device Lever Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating devices require a large dynamic force to return the operating lever to its predetermined position, especially when the pushed position is close to the center of tilt, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The operating device incorporates a tiltable operating lever with a spherical section, a connecting section, and an actuator, utilizing a compression coil spring to reduce the dynamic force required for return, with a driving mechanism that moves the holding sections to guide the actuator to the return position, allowing the lever to be returned automatically with reduced effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the operating lever is returned to the predetermined position by directly pushing the shaft, then the structure is simple, but a large dynamic force is required when the pushed position is close to the center of tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the return mechanism into two independent parts: a first holding section that holds the actuator during operation, and a second holding section that guides the actuator during return. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the force required in the return phase while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second holding section as an intermediary component between the actuator and the final return position. This intermediary structure provides a guided path that reduces the dynamic force required, especially when the pushed position is close to the center of tilt, without significantly complicating the overall device.
2Force
If a complex holding section structure is used to reduce dynamic force, then the force required to return the operating lever is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding sections are segmented into distinct functional units (first holding section and second holding section) that can be independently designed and positioned. This allows the complex force-reduction mechanism to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than concentrated in one complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire return mechanism complex to reduce force, the patent inverts the approach by using simple, separate holding sections that work together. The first holding section maintains simplicity during operation, while the second holding section provides the necessary guidance during return, distributing the complexity management across different phases of operation.
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
This design reduces the dynamic force needed to return the operating lever, enhances the feeling of operation, and minimizes noise during the return process, improving the overall efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a compression coil spring to reduce the dynamic force required for return
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating device according to one embodiment includes a shaft operated to tilt, a contact section, held on the shaft in a biased state movable in a predetermined direction, and tiltable integrally with the shaft operated to tilt, a first holding section, configured to generate a feeling of moderation by sliding against the contact section, and including a plurality of recesses that hold the contact section at positions to where the shaft is operated to tilt, and a second holding section configured to make contact with the contact section, guide the contact section to a predetermined position from the positions to where the shaft is operated to tilt, and hold the contact section at the predetermined position, wherein the first holding section is movable between a first position and a second position, the contact section makes contact with the first holding section and is separated from the second holding section when the first holding section is positioned at the first position, and the contact section is separated from the first holding section and makes contact with the second holding section when the first holding section is positioned at the second position.