Pointing Stick Holder Structure to Prevent False Input Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices, such as notebook PCs and hand-held information processing terminals, often experience erroneous signal detection due to distortion of strain gauges in pointing sticks when keys or buttons are operated, leading to unintended input signals.
Innovation Solution
The input device incorporates a pointing stick with a cap, holder, and sensor board, where the cap is arranged inside the holder to prevent unnecessary bending of the housing, and the sensor board detects changes in resistance values to accurately determine the direction and size of the pointing stick's tilt, reducing false signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If keys or buttons are arranged around the pointing stick, then the input device functionality is improved, but the housing bends during key operation causing erroneous signals to be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing stick assembly is separated from the key group and mounted on a dedicated holder that is fixed to the housing. This segmentation isolates the strain gauge sensing mechanism from the mechanical deformation caused by key operations, allowing the pointing stick to function independently without interference from housing bends.
Solution Approach 2:
A holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and the pointing stick. The holder absorbs and isolates the mechanical stress from housing bending, preventing it from being transmitted to the strain gauge. This intermediary structure ensures that only intentional pointing stick tilts are detected, not spurious signals from keyboard operations.
2Area of stationary object
If the pointing stick is integrated with the keyboard assembly, then space utilization is improved, but distortion is imparted to the strain gauge when keys are operated
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing stick assembly is segmented from the keyboard assembly and mounted on a separate holder structure. This allows the strain gauge to be positioned in a mechanically stable location independent of keyboard actuation, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving compact integration through strategic placement near the keyboard rather than within it.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed with specific local properties to resist bending and isolate the strain gauge from mechanical deformation. By concentrating structural reinforcement at the holder rather than throughout the entire assembly, the design maintains strain gauge accuracy while achieving efficient space utilization in the localized area where the pointing stick is positioned.
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 effectively minimizes the likelihood of erroneous signal detection by absorbing housing bends and ensuring accurate input data processing, enhancing the reliability of input operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor block that imparts distortion to a strain gauge according to a force applied to an operating post, a transmission block that transmits an analog signal generated due to a change in electrical resistance of the strain gauge
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An information processing apparatus may be a game apparatus that includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing is provided with a first LCD. The lower housing is provided with a second LCD, and push buttons and a pointing stick are provided in a right side thereof. The pointing stick is constituted with a cap, a holder, an operating body and a sensor board. The operating body to which the sensor board is adhesively fixed is secured, in a plane, to the holder, and the cap is joined to an operating stick of the operating body with the holder interposed therebetween. Then, the holder is fixed, in a linear manner, to the lower housing at one side, and a movement toward a rear side is regulated at a side not fixed to the lower housing.