Tilt Control Member Return Structure for Push-Stop Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices face challenges in regulating pushing operations without interfering with tilting movements and preventing excessive deformation of components during control member operations.

Innovation Solution

A control device design featuring a housing, control member, interlock members, and a return mechanism with a stopper and through hole structure that prevents excessive pushing by allowing the stopper to protrude through a through hole when a predetermined force is applied, regulating the pushing operation while ensuring tilting movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stopper is provided to prevent excessive deformation of the interlock member during pushing operation, then the interlock member is protected from functional failure, but the stopper may interfere with the tilting movement of the control member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of functional failureVSAvoidtilting movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is nested within the receiving portion of the return member, allowing it to protrude only when necessary (during excessive pushing) while remaining concealed during normal tilting operations. This nesting structure enables the stopper to protect the interlock member without interfering with the control member's tilting movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, protruding from the receiving portion only when the control member is pushed excessively. During normal tilting operations, the stopper remains retracted, allowing free movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between protection and operational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control member is designed to allow both pushing and tilting operations, then operational versatility is improved, but the components become more complex and may interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The return member acts as an intermediary between the control member and the housing, incorporating the stopper mechanism to manage pushing operations. This intermediary structure allows the control member to perform both tilting and pushing operations without direct interference with other components, maintaining versatility while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The return member serves multiple functions: it supports the control member during tilting operations, provides the stopper mechanism for pushing operation protection, and guides the control member's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while enabling versatile operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the stopper protrudes to regulate pushing operation, then excessive deformation is prevented, but the stopper may contact the control member during normal operation causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulation of pushing operationVSAvoidinterference between components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is positioned locally within the receiving portion at a specific location that ensures it only contacts the control member during excessive pushing operations. The receiving portion's geometry is designed so that the stopper remains clear of the control member's normal tilting path, preventing interference while maintaining protection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design effectively prevents excessive deformation and functional failure by regulating pushing operations, ensuring reliable tilting movements and reducing interference between components.

Implementation Method 1

an urging member configured to apply the return force via the return member to the control member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the stopper protruding in an urging direction of the urging member, and the bottom portion has a through hole through which the stopper is configured to be inserted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS12535849B2Control device configured to be tilted about each of first and second turn axes

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

A control device includes a housing, a control member including a shaft portion to be tilted to turn about a first turn axis intersecting a direction the shaft portion extends, a first interlock member including a first shaft support portion supported by the housing turnably about the first turn axis to be turned with a tilting operation on the control member, a return member to apply a return force to return the control member to a neutral position to the control member, an urging member to apply the return force via the return member to the control member, and a first turn detection section to detect a turn of the first interlock member. The return member includes a bottom portion and a receiving portion, the housing includes a receiving bottom section having a stopper, and the bottom portion has a through hole through which the stopper is to be inserted.