Electromagnetic Actuator with Opposite Magnetic Fields for Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems in control devices, such as multifunction control devices in the automotive sector, lack an optimized electromagnetic actuator design to effectively transmit haptic feedback, particularly in ensuring user engagement during night driving or blind manipulation, with existing actuators not providing sufficient ergonomic comfort and clear feedback.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator comprising a fixed and mobile part forming a magnetic circuit with at least two permanent magnets and an electric coil, where the coil's winding crosses the magnetic fields, generating a resultant actuation force for translation in the air gap to produce haptic feedback, and optionally featuring a ferromagnetic structure and damper for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional electromagnetic actuators are used in control devices, then basic haptic feedback can be provided, but the actuation force is insufficient to ensure clear user engagement during night driving or blind manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two permanent magnets with opposite magnetic fields and an electric coil into a single actuator assembly. The coil is positioned to successively cross both magnetic fields, allowing the generation of a resultant actuation force that is greater than what a single magnet-coil assembly could produce. This merging of magnetic field sources directly addresses the insufficient actuation force in conventional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-magnet configuration with opposite magnetic fields oriented in opposite directions. By arranging the coil to traverse both fields sequentially and the magnets to be disposed facing one another with the coil between them, the system creates a multi-dimensional magnetic interaction that generates enhanced resultant force along a common drive direction, improving actuation capability.
2Force
If the coil winding crosses both opposite magnetic fields, then improved actuation force is generated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric coil serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic force when traversing the first magnetic field, generates additional electromagnetic force when traversing the second magnetic field, and the combined effect produces the resultant actuation force. This multi-functionality of the single coil component achieves enhanced force generation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the two permanent magnets with opposite polarities facing each other, with the coil positioned between them. This asymmetric configuration allows the coil to experience different magnetic field directions during its traversal, enabling the generation of unidirectional resultant force while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
3Reliability
If two permanent magnets with opposite magnetic fields are used, then haptic feedback effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into distinct functional components: a first permanent magnet, a second permanent magnet, and an electric coil, with each component having a specific function. The magnets are disposed facing one another with the coil between them, allowing for modular assembly and simplified manufacturing of each component separately before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single magnet with complex winding patterns, the patent inverts the approach by using two simpler magnets with opposite fields and a standard coil. This inversion simplifies the manufacturing of individual components while achieving the desired complex magnetic field interaction through the opposing field configuration.
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 actuator generates improved actuation force for haptic feedback, providing clear and ergonomic user engagement, with optional features like phase-shifted activation and passive guidance to amplify mechanical power and reduce noise, ensuring effective user feedback in control devices.
Implementation Method 1
when said coil is traversed by a current, said actuator is subjected to a resultant actuation force along a common drive direction so as to drive said mobile part in translation in said air gap
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator to be mounted in a haptic-feedback control device (1) for transmitting a haptic feedback to a user, wherein said actuator (5a, 5b) comprises a fixed portion (9) and a mobile portion (11), said fixed (9) and mobile (11) portions forming a magnetic circuit defining at least one air gap (e) between said fixed (9) and mobile (11) portions. According to the invention, the actuator (5a, 5b) further comprises: at least two permanent magnets (23a, 23b) respectively generating first (B1) and second (B2) opposite magnetic fields; and an electric coil (25) provided between said magnets (23a, 23b) such that the winding of said coil (25) extends successively through said first (B1) and second (B2) opposite magnetic fields so that, when a current flows through said coil (25), the actuator (5a, 5b) is submitted to a resulting actuation force in a common driving direction for translating said mobile part (11) in said air gap (e).