Patent attributes
A magnetic spring input device is disclosed. In various embodiments, an input device as disclosed includes a manual input structure movably coupled to a base assembly; and a non-stationary magnet fixedly coupled to the manual input structure; a stationary magnet coupled to the base assembly in a manner that is fixed with respect to at least a first input axis of the input device, the stationary magnet being coupled to the base assembly with a first magnetic pole having a first magnetic polarity is oriented opposite a corresponding magnetic pole of the non-stationary magnet having the first magnetic polarity, in a position that is adjacent to but offset from the non-stationary magnet when the manual input structure is in a neutral position. The non-stationary magnet is coupled to the manual input structure in a position such that movement of the manual input structure about or along the first input axis of the input device brings said poles have said first magnetic polarity within sufficient proximity to generate a repulsive magnetic force.
