User-selectable force conversion apparatus and method

An apparatus for providing a user-selectable force response, the apparatus comprising:

• a sliding member coupled to a mechanical input, the sliding member configured to move along a sliding path;
• a first connecting member pivotally connected to the sliding member;
• a second connecting member pivotally connected to the first connecting member and a fixed member;
• a length ratio selector that enables a user to vary a length ratio for the first and second connecting members and thereby select a user-selected force response for the mechanical input;
• a leaf spring holder for retaining one or more leaf springs with a substantially linear force response substantially parallel to the second connecting member and thereby load the second connecting member with the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs;
• and
• wherein the first and second connecting members convert the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs to the user-selected force response for the mechanical input.

A method for providing a user-selectable force response, the method comprising:

• receiving one or more leaf springs having a substantially linear force response;
• receiving a mechanical input with a slider, the slider pivotally connected to a first connecting member, the first connecting member pivotally connected to a second connecting member, the second connecting member further connected to an anchor member opposite the first connecting member;
• loading the second connecting member with the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs;
• and
• converting the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs to a corresponding force response for the mechanical input via the first and second connecting members.