Adjustable Force Device With Coil-Modified Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indexing devices in the automotive and industrial sectors face challenges with fixed and constant stiffness, which limits the dynamic adjustment of haptic feedback, requiring continuous power supply and leading to premature wear due to parasitic forces.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable force device utilizing magnetic interaction between ferromagnetic structures with a coil-modified permanent magnet, allowing for parameterizable adjustment of indexing stiffness without power consumption, using a low-coercive-field magnet surrounded by electric coils to vary magnetization and create variable air gaps for dynamic haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic interaction is used for indexing, then haptic feedback is improved, but stiffness becomes fixed and constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnetic stiffness adjustable rather than fixed. The coil system allows the magnetic field strength to be dynamically modified, enabling the stiffness to adapt to different operating conditions and user needs while maintaining smooth haptic feedback throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by applying current to the coil, which modifies the magnetization of the permanent magnet. This allows continuous adjustment of the indexing stiffness parameter, transforming it from a fixed constant to a variable parameter that can be optimized for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous power supply is used for dynamic stiffness adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by applying current to the coil only when stiffness adjustment is needed, rather than maintaining continuous power supply. The coil can be activated temporarily to modify magnetization for specific indexing positions or conditions, then deactivated to conserve energy while maintaining the adjusted state.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet provides self-service by maintaining its magnetization state without continuous power input. Once the coil modifies the magnetization to achieve the desired stiffness, the permanent magnet retains this state passively, eliminating the need for continuous energy consumption to maintain the adjusted stiffness level.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical indexing is used, then positioning is achieved, but friction causes parasitic forces and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical indexing system with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of mechanical teeth or notches that cause friction and wear, the invention uses magnetic field interactions between the coil-modified permanent magnet and ferromagnetic structures to achieve precise positioning without physical contact, thereby eliminating friction-related parasitic forces and wear.
4Device complexity
If fixed stiffness indexing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the indexing mechanism to perform multiple functions: it provides precise positioning like traditional systems while also offering adjustable stiffness and enhanced haptic feedback. The coil-modified permanent magnet system serves both as a positioning mechanism and a haptic feedback generator, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms.
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
Enables dynamic adjustment of haptic feedback and reduced wear by modifying the magnetization of the low-coercive-field magnet, providing adjustable stiffness and minimizing power consumption, thus enhancing user experience and device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet surrounded at least partially by an electric coil (8) that modifies the magnetization of the permanent magnet according to the direction and amplitude of the electric current flowing in the coil
Implementation Method 2
means for magnetically indexing the displacement by the magnetic interaction between a first ferromagnetic structure and a second ferromagnetic structure rigidly connected to a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable force device comprises a member that is mechanically guided for allowing a displacement according to a predetermined trajectory, and means for magnetically indexing the displacement by the magnetic interaction between a first ferromagnetic structure and a second ferromagnetic structure integral with a magnet, wherein the magnet is at least partially surrounded by an electric coil that modifies the magnetization of the permanent magnet according to the direction and the amplitude of the electric current flowing in the coil.