Video game and simulator joystick controller with geared potentiometer actuation

A joystick controller for a video simulation system comprising:

• a base;
• a handle mounted on an actuation shaft;
• a first gimbal;
• means including a pivot member for pivotally mounting the first gimbal to the base for pivotal movement about a first axis;
• means for coupling the first gimbal to the shaft such that the first gimbal pivots about the first axis responsive to movement of the handle in a first direction;
• a second gimbal;
• means including a pivot member for pivotally mounting the second gimbal to the base for pivotal movement about a second axis;
• means for coupling the second gimbal to the handle such that the second gimbal pivots about the second axis responsive to movement of the handle in a second direction;
• a first potentiometer mounted on the base and having a stem coupled to the first gimbal for rotational movement responsive to rotational movement of the first gimbal about the first axis;
• a second potentiometer having a stem coupled to the second gimbal for rotational movement responsive to rotational movement of the second gimbal about the second axis;
• means for transmitting the first and second potentiometer settings to the video simulation system;
• a first torsion spring coupled to the first gimbal for urging the first gimbal into a neutral position by a compressive force when the handle is moved forward or backward along the first direction;
• and
• a second torsion spring coupled to the second gimbal for urging the second gimbal into the neutral position by a compressive force when the handle is moved forward or backward along the second direction,
• each torsion spring including a coil portion, and first and second end portions extending tangentially in opposite directions from the coil portion, wherein the coil of the first torsion spring is compressed when the handle is moved along the first direction and the coil of the second torsion spring is compressed when the handle is moved along the second direction.

A method of biasing a joystick for a video simulation system into a neutral position, the joystick having a base, a handle mounted on an actuation shaft, a first gimbal, means for coupling the first gimbal to the shaft such that the first gimbal pivots about a first axis responsive to movement of the handle in a first direction, a first potentiometer operatively coupled to the first gimbal for indicating rotational movement thereof, a second gimbal, means for coupling the second gimbal to the handle such that the second gimbal pivots about a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis, responsive to movement of the handle in a second direction, a second potentiometer operatively coupled to the second gimbal for indicating rotational movement thereof, and means for transmitting the potentiometer indications to the video simulation system, the method comprising:

• pivotally mounting the first gimbal on the base;
• pivotally mounting the second gimbal on the base;
• coupling a first torsion spring between the first gimbal and the base to bias the handle into the neutral position, the first torsion spring including a coil portion, and first and second end portions extending tangentially in opposite directions from the coil portion;
• coupling a second torsion spring between the second gimbal and the base to bias the handle into the neutral position, the second torsion spring including a coil portion, and first and second end portions extending tangentially in opposite directions from the coil portion;
• generating a first compressive force responsive to movement of the handle along the first direction, the first compressive force resisting forward or backward movement of the handle along the first direction;
• and
• generating a second compressive force responsive to movement of the handle along the second direction, the second compressive force resisting forward or backward movement of the handle along the second direction.