Vehicle Actuator Handle With Magnetic Haptic Restoring Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for motor vehicles lack a simple and ergonomic haptic element, often relying on complex mechanical designs that can wear out over time.
Innovation Solution
The actuator incorporates a magnet and a magnetizable element to generate a haptic response and restoring force using magnetic forces, allowing for a compact, cost-effective, and wear-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical haptic element (e.g., ball detent) is used to provide haptic feedback, then ergonomic operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical haptic element (ball detent) with a magnetic field-based haptic element. The magnetic field is generated by a magnet arrangement that interacts with a magnetizable element on the displacement means, providing haptic feedback without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining ergonomic operation.
2Reliability
If a mechanical haptic element is used, then haptic feedback is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical haptic element (ball detent) with a magnetic field-based haptic element. The magnetic field is generated by a magnet arrangement that interacts with a magnetizable element on the displacement means, providing haptic feedback without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining ergonomic operation.
3Device complexity
If a magnetic haptic element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetizable element as an intermediary between the magnet arrangement and the displacement means. This intermediary allows the magnetic field to effectively couple with the displacement means without requiring direct precision alignment between the magnets and the displacement mechanism, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the simplified structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic haptic element provides a user-friendly and durable actuator with enhanced ergonomics and reduced complexity, enabling efficient control of vehicle functions.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet interacts with the magnetizable element in such a way that, when the displacement means is displaced, the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetizable element generates a haptic response toward the displacement position and/or a restoring force toward the neutral position for the handle
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1), in particular for manually controlling and/or activating functions in a motor vehicle. The actuator comprises a manually movable handle (3) and a displacement means (4), wherein the handle (3) interacts with the displacement means (4) in such a way that the handle (3) can be displaced in a displacement plane in at least one direction out of a neutral position into a displacement position. A magnet (7) and a magnetisable element (8) are provided for the actuator. The magnet (7) interacts with the magnetisable element (8) in such a way that the magnetic force between the magnet (7) and the magnetisable element (8) generates a haptic feedback in the direction of the displacement position and/or a restoring force in the direction of the neutral position for the handle (3) when the displacement means (4) is displaced.