I'm stumped on these buttons

jennifer_camp

I'm trying to make an apparatus that causes the big buttons to push the smaller buttons on the controller within:
I am generally failing, that's why I'm here. How would you design a mechanism that would do what is described above? Here are the limitations: it has to fit within the bottom half of this:
It would hopefully not be too complex, The D-Pad is already working so don't bother with that, The buttons must remain where they are.
Here is a link to my project: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/de6eb55c1326949c8dd65052/w/d3fbfeef451d999177ac01a9/e/21444c449b0333ffbda0b91d

Please help

MichaelPascoe

I recommend using the custom feature Freeform Spline by @Evan_Reese. It's perfect for 3d spline routing.

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/337f08e5d5514e2b6a780f82/w/5c9dbd4d760ac9b9cff34c4e/e/39b3b...

robert_scott_jr_

Hello Jennifer. Ouch! Mechanically I'm doubting there is a method to keep 'complex' out of your design path. If it's a must, it might be feasible to use levers whose pivot points are attached to the inside face of the box you've made with some point along the levers atop the smaller buttons to depress them. If it's an option for you, perhaps it might be better to accomplish the task electrically with an array of small momentary contact switches beneath your case buttons that parallel the switches of the internal case. 

- Scotty

MichaelPascoe

I recommend using the custom feature Freeform Spline by @Evan_Reese. It's perfect for 3d spline routing.

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/337f08e5d5514e2b6a780f82/w/5c9dbd4d760ac9b9cff34c4e/e/39b3b...

john_mcclary

I donno
It seems like you're going to have some buttons that you have to push pretty deep.

I'd likely just mount a small board button board that fits that area behind the action buttons correctly, then wire it back to the controller's board directly.

MichaelPascoe

@john_mcclary the 8bitdo Micro controller that she is using has a very short travel distance for the buttons. But yeah, that blue button probably wont feel good unless the mechanism is very stiff yet still flexible plastic.

john_mcclary

I figured that's what it was.

I'm just saying I would break open the plastic mount the board directly to the face of the BMO
then make a separate button board for the ABXY, then solder some wires between them.

Although I'm not afraid to break the $25 8bitdo in the process