Rotary Push Knob Magnetic Layout for Fewer Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary push switches require multiple magnetic sensors to accurately detect rotation and push operations, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a single magnet and two magnetic sensors, where the magnet's rotation axis passes through it and its magnetization directions are inclined for both rotational and sliding movements, allowing detection of both operations with high accuracy using a minimal number of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic sensors are used to detect rotation and push operations, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and sensor quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single magnet is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both rotation operations and push operations. By configuring the magnet with specific magnetization directions (inclined at 45 degrees to the rotation axis), it generates magnetic field changes that encode both rotational position and push position information, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for each operation type
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetization directions of the magnet are set at specific angles (45 degrees inclined to the rotation axis) to optimize the magnetic field distribution. This parameter configuration allows the magnetic field to respond differently to rotation versus push operations, enabling a single sensor to distinguish between the two operation types based on the pattern of magnetic field changes
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic sensors are used to detect rotation and push operations, then detection accuracy is improved, but miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functions for rotation and push operations are merged into a single magnetic sensor system. The magnet and single magnetic sensor are positioned to detect both operation types simultaneously, reducing the overall component count and enabling device miniaturization while maintaining the capability to detect both rotational and push positions accurately
3Device complexity
If a single magnetic sensor is used to detect both rotation and push operations, then device complexity is reduced, but detection sensitivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is configured with non-uniform magnetization directions in different regions. The magnetization directions are inclined at 45 degrees to the rotation axis, creating distinct magnetic field characteristics in different spatial zones. This local quality variation allows the single magnetic sensor to distinguish between rotation-induced field changes and push-induced field changes based on the unique magnetic field signature generated in each operation mode
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 accurate detection of rotation and push operations with a reduced number of magnetic sensors, enhancing detection sensitivity and miniaturization while maintaining operational precision.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor disposed on a substrate and configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes an operation nob configured to perform a rotation operation and a push operation; one magnet provided so as to perform a rotational movement in response to the rotation operation and to perform a sliding movement in response to the push operation, from an initial state; a magnetic sensor disposed on a substrate and configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnet; and circuitry configured to determine operation contents of the rotation operation and the push operation based on a detection result of the magnetic sensor, wherein the magnet is disposed such that a rotation axis serving as a rotation center when performing the rotational movement passes through the magnet, and magnetization directions of an N pole and an S pole of the magnet are inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the rotational movement and a direction of the sliding movement.