Operation Unit Quiet Click via Magnetic Attraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational operation members in electronic devices, such as digital cameras, generate operating noise due to the need for multiple poles in multi-pole magnets, making them large and less suitable for quiet environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact operation unit with a gear system and multiple magnets arranged to change attractive forces during rotation, providing a click feeling without the need for multiple poles, using a combination of internal gears and pinions to distribute load and improve durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a multi-pole magnet structure is used to generate click feeling, then the click feeling is provided quietly, but the number of magnets must be doubled which increases the size of the operation member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single multi-pole magnet structure into multiple smaller magnets (first magnet and second magnet) with fewer poles. Each magnet has north and south poles arranged such that they generate click feelings through alternating attraction and repulsion forces with the fixed magnet, eliminating the need for a large multi-pole magnet while maintaining quiet operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple poles into a smaller number of magnets by strategically positioning north and south poles on adjacent surfaces of each magnet. This merging approach allows two magnets with fewer poles each to collectively provide the same click feeling generation function as a single large multi-pole magnet with twice as many poles.
2Device complexity
If elastic member and cam structure is used to give click feeling, then the structure is simple, but it generates operating noise (clack) that is not suitable for quiet environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based click feeling generation (using elastic members and cams that produce clacking noise) with a magnetic field-based system. The magnets interact through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces without physical contact, eliminating the harmful clack noise while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
3Ease of operation
If a single multi-pole magnet with divided magnet number twice as many as click number is used, then the click feeling is achieved, but the operation member becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic click feeling generation function into multiple smaller magnets instead of using a single large multi-pole magnet. Each magnet contributes to the overall click feeling through its interaction with the fixed magnet, allowing the system to achieve the required number of clicks with smaller individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement and positioning of magnets in different locations and orientations to achieve click feeling generation. By distributing magnets strategically around the rotation path and using both north and south poles on adjacent surfaces, the system achieves the required click number without increasing the overall size of the operation member.
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 solution allows for a quiet and intuitive click feeling with a reduced number of magnets, enhancing operability and durability while maintaining a compact design, suitable for quiet environments like concert halls.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet and a second magnet that are different from each other in polarity, are arranged adjacently on a same side of the rotation axis of the operation member... the plurality of magnets, each of which is provided to a corresponding one of the plurality of gears. The plurality of gears rotate so as to change an attractive force between the magnets
Data Source
AI summary
An operation unit includes an operation member, a gear portion provided on the operation member, a plurality of gears engaged with the gear portion and rotatable, and a plurality of magnets, each of which is provided to a corresponding one of the plurality of gears. The plurality of gears rotate so as to change an attractive force between the magnets, when a user operates the operation member.