Spherical Shaft Detection Using Magnetic Sensing to Eliminate Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variable resistance type pointing devices suffer from low reliability due to frictional degradation of sliding portions, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A detection device utilizing a spherical body with inserted shaft member, magnets, and magnetic field detection units to detect actions without sliding contact, employing magnetic fields and sensors to track shaft member movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable resistors with sliding portions are used to detect inclination, then the device can detect shaft member actions, but the sliding portions degrade due to friction resulting in low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable resistor system with a magnetic field detection system. Magnets are attached to the shaft member and detected by magnetic field sensors, eliminating mechanical sliding contacts and their associated frictional degradation. This substitution of mechanical detection with magnetic field-based detection resolves the reliability issue caused by friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the shaft member and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact between sliding portions and variable resistors, magnetic fields serve as the medium to transmit positional information, thereby eliminating harmful frictional contact while maintaining detection functionality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If variable resistors are used to detect shaft member actions, then the detection function is achieved, but friction causes degradation reducing device durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sliding contacts with magnetic field detection. Magnets fixed to the shaft member interact with magnetic field sensors without physical contact, eliminating friction entirely. This non-contact detection method significantly improves device durability by removing the primary source of wear and degradation.
3Device complexity
If sliding portions are used in variable resistors, then the structure is simple, but frictional degradation occurs leading to low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical sliding portions with magnetic field detection components. While the magnetic field detection system has different complexity characteristics, it eliminates the reliability-critical sliding portions entirely. The magnets and magnetic field sensors provide a more reliable detection mechanism without requiring friction-based sliding contacts.
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
The solution enhances reliability by eliminating frictional degradation, ensuring precise and durable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet; and a magnetic field detection unit which detects a magnetic field formed by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An operation device receives an operation from outside via an operation part. A detection device incorporated in the operation part detects an action of a shaft member acting in response to the operation from outside. The shaft member is inserted through a hollow spherical body having an outer shape formed in a substantially spherical shape. The spherical body includes therein a magnet (first magnet and second magnet fixed at a position linked with the action of the shaft member, and a magnetic field detection unit fixed at a fixed position in the vicinity of a center and having a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor detecting a magnetic field formed by the magnet.