Twill-Surface Input Control for Slip-Resistant Tilt and Press
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input apparatuses with smooth operation surfaces or convex/concave portions face issues such as finger slippage and discomfort during multidirectional tilt and press operations, leading to incorrect inputs and potential user harm.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus with a twill-shaped operation surface and protruding wall portions at its vertices, designed to enhance grip and prevent slippage, featuring a spherical surface for improved operability in tilt and press operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a smooth operation surface is used, then the input apparatus is easy to manufacture, but the finger slips during operation reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The operation surface is designed with a twill pattern where only specific regions (the ridges and valleys of the twill) have enhanced friction properties, while other areas maintain smooth characteristics. This local differentiation provides grip where needed without compromising overall manufacturability or creating unnecessary complexity across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation surface incorporates a spherical curvature that works in conjunction with the twill pattern. The curved surface distributes contact pressure more effectively across the finger pad while the twill ridges provide directional grip, combining geometric form with surface texture to enhance reliability without sacrificing ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If concave or convex portions are added to the operation surface, then grip is improved, but press operation becomes difficult and may hurt the user
Solution Approach 1:
The twill pattern creates localized high-friction zones along the ridges while maintaining lower friction in the valleys. This local differentiation provides sufficient grip for tilt operations without creating concentrated pressure points that would discomfort the user during press operations. The pattern distributes force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at single peaks or valleys.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical surface geometry distributes press force across a broader area of the finger pad, preventing concentration of pressure at single points. When combined with the twill pattern, the curvature ensures that even as the finger presses down, contact is maintained across multiple ridges rather than at isolated convex peaks, reducing discomfort while maintaining grip stability.
3Device complexity
If a flat operation surface is used, then the device complexity is low, but slippage occurs during tilt operation reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
The operation surface is given a spherical curvature that naturally guides finger movement during tilt operations. The curved geometry provides tactile feedback and directional cues that help the user control tilt movements more precisely, while the overall spherical form remains a simple geometric shape that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity compared to flat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The twill pattern is applied selectively to the operation surface, creating localized friction enhancement only where finger contact occurs during tilt operations. This targeted approach improves tilt control without requiring complex structural modifications across the entire device, maintaining low device complexity while enhancing ease of operation.
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 improves the operability and accuracy of tilt and press operations by enhancing friction and reducing slippage, ensuring precise input and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The design improves the operability and accuracy of tilt and press operations by enhancing friction and reducing slippage
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes an operation surface having a twill shape and configured to receive input through tilt operation and press operation, and a wall portion formed at an end of the operation surface. Each vertex of the twill shape is located on a spherical surface. The wall portion protrudes from the spherical surface.