Integrated Push-Rotation Knob With Tunable Detent Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical knobs for vehicles can only perform either a push or rotation operation, limiting design freedom and requiring multiple parts, which increases complexity and cost, and often result in inconsistent operation feel due to spring deviations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical knob apparatus that integrates both push and rotation operations using a dial, a push operation unit, a rotation operation unit, a printed circuit board with a tact switch and photosensor, a detent housing, and a knob housing, allowing for adjustable torque and detent count without the need for many parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional encoders are used to implement rotation operation, then rotation function is achieved, but torque and detent cannot be tuned and material cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional encoders with a cost-effective mechanical structure consisting of a dial, detent housing, and spring mechanism. This mechanical implementation achieves the required rotation operation with tunable torque and detent characteristics while significantly reducing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables tuning of torque and detent parameters by adjusting the spring characteristics and detent geometry. The spring constant, detent angle, and engagement force can be modified to achieve desired operational parameters, providing flexibility without requiring expensive encoder components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate tact switch and encoder are used for push and rotation operations, then both functions are achieved, but degree of freedom in design is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the push and rotation operation mechanisms into a single integrated structure. The dial serves as both the push button interface and the rotation control, while the detent housing provides both push detection and rotation detent functionality. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and increases design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional components where the same structural elements serve multiple purposes. The dial performs both push and rotation operations, the detent housing provides both push detection and rotational detent, and the spring mechanism contributes to both push feedback and rotation torque. This universality reduces part count and enhances design flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical structures are designed according to specific demands, then specific functions are achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mechanical structure into modular segments including the dial, detent housing, spring mechanism, and PCB assembly. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and tested, then assembled together. This segmentation enables customization for specific demands while simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If leaf spring is applied for mechanical operation, then push operation is achieved, but operation feeling changes due to spring deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the leaf spring mechanism with a torsion spring-based detent system that provides more consistent operational characteristics. The torsion spring maintains uniform torque throughout the rotation range, and the detent geometry ensures consistent engagement points, eliminating the operation feeling variations caused by leaf spring shape deviations.
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
Enables flexible design and reduced costs by allowing both push and rotation operations in a single knob, improving operation feel consistency and reducing material and mold costs, while accommodating various design conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a push operation unit coupled to the dial through a radial bearing to perform the push operation
Implementation Method 2
a detent elastically coupled to the unevenness guide of the detent housing and configured to radially perform an elastic movement upon the rotation operation of the dial and the detent housing
Implementation Method 3
formed with a plurality of slits over a circumference of the other end to detect an amount of rotation of the dial in conjunction with the photosensor
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical knob which may be designed and tuned according to various design conditions (size and the like of the knob) without restriction conditions such as a size, height, and the like, its push and rotation operations may be performed, and many parts are unnecessary unlike the conventional mechanical knobs. The mechanical knob apparatus includes a dial configured to transmit a force at which a user rotates or presses the knob to perform the rotation or push rotation of the knob as an exterior part of the knob exposed to the outside, a push operation unit coupled to the dial through a radial bearing to perform the push operation, and a rotation operation unit coupled to the dial to perform both the push operation and the rotation operation.