Tilt Direction Input Mechanism With Curved Slides for Wobble Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-direction input devices face challenges in reducing wobbling and component count while providing intuitive tilt direction recognition and improved operability.
Innovation Solution
The direction input device incorporates a tiltable input portion with a biasing mechanism, a first slide portion, and a second slide portion, which slide over curved surfaces, guided by a guide portion to stabilize movement and reduce wobbling, and includes a module housing with the first and second slid surfaces formed on the rear surface to equalize curvature and prevent wobbling, allowing for intuitive tilt direction recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate guide structures are added to suppress wobbling of slide portions, then wobbling is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is merged with the support portion to form an integrated component. The guide surface is formed on the support portion itself, eliminating the need for separate guide structures and reducing the total number of components while maintaining wobbling suppression functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the slide portion and simultaneously acts as a guide structure through its guide surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated guide components
2Ease of operation
If the curvature of slid surfaces differs between first and second directions, then tilt direction recognition is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slid surface has different curvature radii in different directions (first curvature radius in first direction, second curvature radius in second direction). This local variation in geometric properties enables intuitive tilt direction recognition while the curvatures are both centered on the same point, simplifying manufacturing
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate guide portions are added for each slide portion, then wobbling is suppressed, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is combined with the support portion into a single integrated component. The guide surface is formed directly on the support portion, eliminating the need for separate guide portions and reducing component count while maintaining slide stability
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 design effectively suppresses wobbling, reduces the number of components, and enhances operability by providing a stable and intuitive tilt direction recognition, improving the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing portion is provided between the upper component and the lower component and biases the upper component and the lower component in a direction in which the upper component and the lower component are distant from each other
Implementation Method 2
The first slide portion slides over the first slid surface as being pressed against the first slid surface from below by the upper component biased upward by the biasing portion. The first slid surface is in a shape curved convexly upward.
Data Source
AI summary
A direction input device includes an input portion, a base, a first slide portion, a second slide portion, a first slid surface, and a second slid surface. The first slide portion slides in a first direction with tilting of the input portion from an initial position in the first direction. The second slide portion slides in the second direction with tilting of the input portion from the initial position in the second direction. The first slide portion slides over the first slid surface as being pressed against the first slid surface from below. The first slid surface is in a shape curved convexly upward. The second slide portion slides over the second slid surface as being pressed against the second slid surface from below. The second slid surface is in a shape curved convexly upward.