Rotary Ring Input Unit for Digital Measuring Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital measuring instruments require cumbersome and time-consuming operations to set numerical values, and precise presetting of target values is difficult due to the need for multiple button presses or encoder settings.

Innovation Solution

A measuring instrument with a rotary ring and touch panel input unit that detects operation amount and speed, converting these into conversion values for display, allowing quick and simple setting of values through manual operation, including tolerance and presetting modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation buttons or key switches are used for setting numerical values, then the measuring instrument can perform various setting functions, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting functionsVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operation buttons and key switches are merged into a single rotary ring input unit. By rotating the ring in different directions and combining it with a touch panel, the device integrates multiple input functions (increment, decrement, selection, confirmation) into one unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate buttons while maintaining full setting capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary ring input unit serves multiple functions: it can increment values by rotating in one direction, decrement values by rotating in the opposite direction, select different setting parameters, and confirm selections when combined with the touch panel. This single component replaces what previously required multiple dedicated buttons, achieving multi-functionality with a universal input mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the value detected by the encoder is used intactly as preset value, then the setting operation is simplified, but it is difficult to precisely set the preset value to the target value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresetting operationVSAvoidpreset value precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system first performs a coarse presetting by directly using the encoder value, then allows for fine adjustment through the rotary ring input unit. This partial action approach uses the encoder value as a starting point (partial) and enables precise adjustment (excessive detail) through incremental rotation steps, achieving both operational simplicity and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple button presses are required for setting operations, then various setting parameters can be configured, but the working efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configuration capabilityVSAvoidworking efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary ring enables continuous adjustment of numerical values through uninterrupted rotation, eliminating the discrete, interrupted nature of multiple button presses. The user can continuously rotate the ring to adjust values without lifting their hand or switching between different buttons, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the setting process and significantly improving working efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 efficient and precise setting of numerical values, improving user experience by allowing quick input of desired commands using rotation speed and direction, enhancing usability of digital dial gauges, vernier calipers, and micrometers.

Implementation Method 1

The input unit includes a sensor which is configured to detect an amount of operation and a speed of operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10598524B2Measuring instrument that detects displacement of a contact point

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 MITUTOYO CORP

AI summary

A measuring instrument is configured to detect a displacement of a contact point provided to be movable and to digitally display a measured value on a display unit provided on an outer surface of a case. The measuring instrument includes an input unit. The input unit is provided on the outer surface of the case and is configured to allow a user to input to the input unit through a manual operation. The input unit includes a sensor which is configured to detect an amount of operation and a speed of operation. The amount of operation is converted into a conversion value in view of the speed of operation and then is displayed on the display unit.