Actuator Haptic Feedback Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing haptic feedback on force controllers, such as vehicle pedals, require strong forces that lead to high loads and potential overheating, necessitating component protection and shutdown.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reducing the force applied by the actuator after a predetermined period when the user reaches or holds a specified point on the movement path, shifting the feedback point to prevent continuous loading and overheating, and dynamically adjusting parameters based on operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If strong forces are applied by the actuator to provide haptic feedback, then the haptic feedback effectiveness is improved, but the actuator load and heat generation increase leading to component protection shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates periodically by providing strong haptic feedback forces only when the force controller is at or near the specified point, then reducing the force after a predetermined time period. This periodic on-off action pattern allows the actuator to deliver effective haptic feedback while avoiding continuous high-load operation that would cause overheating and shutdown.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the actuator provides continuous strong force for haptic feedback, then the feedback is consistently effective, but the actuator overheats and requires shutdown for component protection
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by providing strong haptic feedback forces only during specific time intervals when the force controller is at or near the specified point, then reducing the force after a predetermined time period. This temporal modulation ensures the actuator operates within thermal limits while maintaining effective feedback during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator force is made dynamic rather than static, adjusting its magnitude based on the real-time position of the force controller relative to the specified point. The force transitions from strong to reduced levels dynamically, allowing the system to maintain effectiveness when needed while preventing overheating during extended periods.
3Force
If the actuator is designed to provide strong continuous force, then the haptic feedback is always effective, but larger and more expensive actuators are required
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic action where the actuator provides strong forces only intermittently rather than continuously, the system can use smaller, less expensive actuators. The actuator needs to deliver high force peaks only when the force controller is at or near the specified point, rather than maintaining continuous high force capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating at least one actuator for a force controller of a device, wherein a haptic feedback message concerning at least one operational state of the device is provided to a user of the device by means of a force of predetermined strength and acting via the at least one actuator on the force controller, when the user brings the force controller to at least lone predetermined point on a movement path of the force controller. The at least one actuator is controlled in such a way that, as soon as the user deflects the force controller for a predetermined time period to the at least one predetermined point on the movement path of the force controller and/or holds the force controller at this point, the strength of the force acting via the at least one actuator on the force controller is reduced after a further predetermined time period. The invention further relates to a corresponding device.