Rotational Operation Unit Positioner for Click Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational operation units in imaging apparatuses, such as digital cameras, cannot accurately determine the rotational phase of components, leading to a shift in the timing of click sense generation and rotation direction/amount detection, affecting the operability of rotational operation members.
Innovation Solution
A rotational operation unit with an annular magnet and a magnet holding member featuring an undulated portion to generate a click sense, along with a positioner to determine the position relative to the magnet holding member, integrated with a Hall IC to detect changes in magnetic fields and accurately calculate rotation direction and amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic sensor is used to detect rotation, then rotation direction and amount can be detected, but the timing of click sense generation shifts from detection timing due to phase uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
A positioner is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotary magnet and the magnet holding member. The positioner includes a protrusion that engages with a groove in the magnet holding member, serving as a mechanical reference that establishes a fixed phase relationship. This mediator ensures that the magnetic field detection timing aligns with the click sense generation timing, resolving the timing synchronization issue while maintaining accurate rotation detection.
2Device complexity
If the rotational phase of components is not determined, then the structure remains simple, but the timing of click sense generation shifts from detection timing
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner acts as a simple mechanical intermediary that establishes phase relationship without adding complex control systems. The protrusion-g groove engagement provides a passive, reliable reference that synchronizes timing without requiring active sensing or complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic phase detection and adjustment mechanisms with a simple mechanical positioning system. The positioner uses mechanical engagement (protrusion and groove) to establish phase relationship, substituting mechanical means for what could have been a complex electronic control system.
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
This configuration reduces the difference between the timing of click sense generation and rotation detection, enhancing the operability of rotational operation members by ensuring accurate detection of rotation direction and amount, thereby improving user intent recognition and reducing malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
integrated with a Hall IC to detect changes in magnetic fields and accurately calculate rotation direction and amount
Implementation Method 2
The rotational operation unit disclosed in JP 2013-073726 can generate a click sense by the magnetic forces of the rotary magnet and the fixed magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational operation unit includes a rotational operation member that is rotatable, an annular magnet configured to integrally rotate with the rotational operation member, and a magnet holding member configured to rotatably hold the magnet and including an undulated portion configured to generate a click sense as the rotational operation member rotates. The magnet includes a positioner configured to determine a position relative to the magnet holding member.