Rotary Operator Locking Path for Reference Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary operators in acoustic devices face issues with accidental passing of the reference position during adjustment and inconvenient operation due to the need for manual release of locks, affecting operability.

Innovation Solution

A rotary operator design featuring a rotator with a movement path and contact piece that restricts rotation at a predetermined position and automatically returns to allow rotation when force is reduced, enhancing operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shaft is configured to pass the reference position with no resistance, then the operation is smooth and easy, but the shaft may accidentally pass the reference position during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth rotationVSAvoidaccidental passing prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact piece automatically engages with the rotator at the reference position to provide locking without requiring external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates by using the rotational movement itself to trigger the locking and releasing actions through the inclined movement path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The contact piece is positioned in advance to engage with the rotator before the shaft reaches the reference position. The inclined movement path pre-configures the locking mechanism to activate automatically when the shaft approaches the reference position, preventing accidental passing before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the shaft is locked at the reference position by a stopper piece, then accidental passing is prevented, but the operation handle needs to be pushed in to release the lock which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference position lockingVSAvoidlock release convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact piece transitions between different positions dynamically based on the rotational state of the rotator. During normal rotation, the contact piece moves along the inclined movement path and automatically releases the lock when the rotator rotates in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for manual push-in release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking and releasing actions occur periodically with each rotation cycle of the rotator. The contact piece engages the rotator at the reference position during one rotation and releases it during the opposite rotation, creating a rhythmic automatic locking-releasing pattern that eliminates manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12437941B2Rotary operator and audio device

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 ALPHATHETA CORP

AI summary

A rotary operator includes: a rotator including a movement path provided for an outer circumferential surface and inclined to a circumferential direction about a rotation axis, the rotator rotating about the axis; and a contact piece coming into contact with the rotator, and moving along the path in a direction along the axis in association with rotation of the rotator. Rotation of the rotator in a first rotation direction is restricted by the contact piece being at a first position when the rotator reaches a predetermined position. When rotating force applied to the rotator is reduced in a state where rotation of the rotator in the first rotation direction from the predetermined position is restricted, the contact piece returns to a second position to allow the rotation of the rotator in the first rotation direction from the predetermined position.