Optical Multidirectional Input Device for Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multidirectional input devices for vehicles require a complex configuration with numerous detection switches to detect the sliding direction of the operation body, leading to a cumbersome setup.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional input device is designed with a slider, a movable member, a reflection portion, a light-emitting device, and a light-receiving device, where the sliding direction is detected by varying the distance between the reflection portion and the light-emitting device, allowing for non-contact detection using reflected light, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection switches are used to detect the sliding direction of the operation body, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection switch system with an optical detection system. A light source emits light toward a reflection portion on the operation body, and a light receiver detects the reflected light. When the operation body slides, the distance between the reflection portion and the light receiver changes, altering the light reception intensity. This optical system eliminates the need for multiple mechanical detection switches while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical reflection as a copy or representation of the mechanical position. Instead of directly measuring mechanical contact through multiple switches, the system creates an optical copy of the position information through light reflection intensity variations. The light reception intensity serves as an optical analog that represents the sliding position, simplifying the detection mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple detection switches are used to detect the sliding direction, then the reliability of operation detection is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical detection switch system with an optical detection system consisting of a light source and a light receiver. This single optical detection mechanism replaces multiple mechanical switches, reducing the number of components while maintaining reliable operation detection through light intensity variations caused by changes in distance during sliding.
3Device complexity
If mechanical contact detection switches are used, then the detection mechanism is simple, but the device suffers from mechanical wear and electrical contact issues over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact detection with non-contact optical detection. The light source emits light toward the reflection portion on the operation body, and the light receiver detects the reflected light without any physical contact. This eliminates mechanical wear and electrical contact issues, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining a simple detection mechanism based on light intensity measurements.
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 configuration enables reliable and varied operations with a simpler setup, capable of long-term and frequent use without mechanical or electrical contact, enhancing operational reliability and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflection portion provided on any one of the movable member, the case, and the slider; a first light-emitting device arranged to be opposite to the first reflection portion; and a first light-receiving device arranged to be opposite to the first reflection portion
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional input device includes a case; a slider slidable in a first direction and mounted to the case; a movable member mounted on an upper surface of the slider so as to be slidable in a second direction; a first reflection portion provided on any one of the movable member, the case, and the slider; a first light-emitting device arranged to be opposite to the first reflection portion; and a first light-receiving device arranged to be opposite to the first reflection portion, wherein the first reflection portion has a plurality of steps confronting the side facing the first light-emitting device, and a distance between the first reflection portion and the first light-emitting device in a third direction varies according to an area.