Handheld Operation Device Recessed Button Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held operation devices face issues with erroneous operation due to the placement of buttons, where the thumb or finger may inadvertently depress buttons, especially when the device is held with the thumb or finger on the button, leading to easier but riskier operation.
Innovation Solution
The operation device features a recessed portion for thumb placement with a main button at the bottom, adjacent to the rim, and an opposing analog button with a larger movable range, along with auxiliary buttons positioned around the recessed area, preventing accidental activation by ensuring the thumb does not need to shift significantly for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the button is provided at a position at which the user places their thumb or finger when the user holds the operation device with their hand, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to higher risk of erroneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The button is positioned at the bottom of a recessed portion, creating a localized structural feature that differentiates the button area from surrounding surfaces. This local quality change allows the thumb to rest on the rim portion while the button remains accessible for intentional pressing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability by preventing inadvertent activation while maintaining operational convenience
2Reliability
If the button is provided at a position away from where the user places their thumb or finger, then the reliability is improved by reducing erroneous operation, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring thumb movement
Solution Approach 1:
The button is positioned in the depth dimension (bottom of recessed portion) rather than being displaced horizontally from the thumb placement area. This dimensional change allows the button to remain within the thumb's natural operational zone while the recessed structure provides physical separation, enabling reliable operation without requiring significant thumb movement
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an operation device (10) to be held by a user with one hand when used. The operation device (10) includes: a recessed portion (14) formed at a position at which at least one of a thumb and fingers is placed when the user holds the operation device (10) ; and a main button (13) which is disposed at a bottom of the recessed portion (14) and has a top surface adjacent to a rim portion (14a) forming a side surface of the recessed portion (14).