Triangular Flexure Pointing Device for Compact Strain Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is an increasing demand for compact pointing devices that can be efficiently arranged within smaller electronic devices such as notebook computers and game machines.
Innovation Solution
A pointing device is designed with a flexure element having a triangular shape in a plan view, equipped with three legs and strain gauges to detect operation amounts in orthogonal directions, allowing for compact arrangement and accurate strain detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional circular flexure element is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device occupies excessive space and cannot be compactly arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the flexure element from a conventional circular shape to a triangular shape. This asymmetric design allows the flexure element to be more compact while maintaining structural integrity and strain detection capability in multiple directions, directly resolving the contradiction between device size and structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If three legs are added to support the flexure element, then the device becomes more compact, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support legs with the flexure element by forming them as an integrated structure. The three legs extend directly from the triangular flexure element, combining what would traditionally be separate components into a single unified piece, thereby reducing assembly steps while achieving compact device geometry.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges are attached to detect operation amounts in orthogonal directions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning strain gauges at specific locations on the triangular flexure element where strain occurs in orthogonal directions. This localized placement enables precise measurement of operation amounts in multiple directions while keeping the overall device configuration simple and manageable.
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 device is compact and efficiently arranged within electronic devices, providing accurate strain detection and improved space utilization, enhancing the accuracy of strain measurement.
Implementation Method 1
detects an operation amount by the operator based on a strain generated in the flexure part when the operator operates the operation part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A pointing device (100) detecting at least an operation amount in a first direction and an operation amount in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction includes a flexure element (11) extending in a plane including the first direction and the second direction and having a plate shape, an operation part (12) operated by an operator and extending from the flexure element to one side in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to the second direction, three legs (131, 132, and 133) extending from the flexure element to the other side in the third direction and fixed to a support supporting the flexure element, a first strain gauge (SGX1, SGX2) attached to the flexure element and configured to detect the operation amount in the first direction, and a second strain gauge (SGY1, SGY2) attached to the flexure element and configured to detect the operation amount in the second direction. In the pointing device, the flexure element has a triangular shape when viewed in the third direction, and the three legs are provided at respective three top parts (V1, V2, and V3) of the flexure element.