Push Shifter Click Detection for Reliable Switch-On Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push switches require additional force after feeling a click sensation to ensure reliable electrical conduction, making the operation less intuitive and reliable.
Innovation Solution
A push-type input device with an operation knob, a click sensation-imparting mechanism, a slider, a rotating body, a sensor, and a determination section that performs a switch-on determination based on the rotation angle detected by the sensor, ensuring reliable conduction without additional force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dome-shaped movable contact is used to impart a click sensation, then the operator feels a click sensation during pushing operation, but additional force must be applied beyond the click point to ensure reliable electrical conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical dome-shaped movable contact with a slider mechanism that moves linearly along a guide rail. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for elastic deformation while maintaining reliable electrical conduction through precise positional control of the slider, which actuates the switch based on detected rotation angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary between the rotating body and the switch mechanism. The sensor detects rotation angles and provides feedback to the control unit, which then determines when to activate the switch. This intermediary system enables reliable switching based on precise rotational position rather than relying on mechanical click sensation alone.
2Reliability
If the operator pushes the button until electrical conduction is achieved, then reliable switching is obtained, but the operation becomes less intuitive and requires additional force beyond the click sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the rotation angle of the rotating body and reports back to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback information to determine the precise moment when the rotation angle corresponds to the minimum load in load characteristics, triggering the switch activation. This feedback loop provides intuitive operation by automatically detecting the correct switching point without requiring the operator to apply additional force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical indication of switching (click sensation requiring additional push) with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects rotation angles and the control unit automatically determines when switching should occur based on load characteristics, eliminating the need for the operator to judge when additional force should be applied.
3Device complexity
If a conventional push switch structure is used, then the device is simple in structure, but it cannot provide intuitive and reliable pushing operation with click sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The slider serves both as the operational element that the user interacts with and as the actuating mechanism for the switch. The rotating body with cam surface provides both the rotational input and the mechanical linkage to the slider. This multi-functionality achieves intuitive operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the switching mechanism into distinct functional segments: the rotating body for input, the cam surface for motion conversion, the slider for linear actuation, and the sensor for detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity and enabling intuitive 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
The device provides a more intuitive and reliable pushing operation by accurately determining the switch-on state at the moment of the click sensation, eliminating the need for additional force application.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotating body
Implementation Method 2
a click sensation-imparting mechanism configured to impart a click sensation to the pushing operation
Data Source
AI summary
A push-type input device according to one embodiment includes: an operation knob configured to receive a pushing operation by an operator; a click sensation-imparting mechanism configured to impart a click sensation to the pushing operation; a slider configured to slide in a predetermined sliding direction in response to the pushing operation; a rotating body configured to rotate in response to sliding of the slider; a sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotating body; and a determination section configured to perform a switch-on determination based on a detection result of the rotation angle by the sensor. The determination section performs the switch-on determination between the rotation angle of the rotating body corresponding to the maximum load in load characteristics of the pushing operation and the rotation angle of the rotating body corresponding to the minimum load in load characteristics of the pushing operation.