Adjustable Haptic Damping Positioning via Linear Magnetic Ram

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current input devices, such as those using eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors for haptic feedback, are limited in frequency adjustment and primarily adjustable only by intensity, lacking versatility in providing a wide range of haptic feedback effects.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a linear magnetic ram with an adjustable damping medium, allowing users to manually adjust the position of the damping medium to customize haptic feedback, and transmitting this adjustment to an information handling system for real-time feedback and data display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ERM motors are used for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be provided, but frequency adjustment is limited and only intensity can be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback versatilityVSAvoidfrequency adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the haptic feedback system by introducing a linear magnetic ram with an adjustable damping medium. This allows independent control of frequency and intensity parameters, transforming the system from fixed-frequency ERM motors to a configurable haptic feedback mechanism that can operate across a wide frequency range while maintaining intensity adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the damping medium position to be manually adjusted by the user. This creates a dynamic system where haptic feedback characteristics can be modified in real-time based on user preferences or application requirements, enhancing versatility without requiring complex automated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If damping medium position is made adjustable, then haptic feedback customization is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback customizationVSAvoiddamping medium positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by allowing the user to manually adjust the damping medium position directly on the device. This eliminates the need for complex automated positioning systems or external calibration equipment, as users can independently configure haptic feedback characteristics according to their preferences or application needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the damping medium into an adjustable component that can be independently positioned relative to the magnetic ram. This segmentation allows the damping medium to be treated as a separate configurable element, enabling fine-tuned control of haptic feedback characteristics while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If linear magnetic ram with adjustable damping medium is used, then wide range of haptic feedback effects are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback effects rangeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal haptic feedback mechanism that can produce multiple feedback effects through a single linear magnetic ram design. By adjusting the damping medium position, the same basic component can generate different haptic characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized actuators and simplifying manufacturing while achieving wide versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves manufacturing simplicity by relying on parameter changes (damping medium position adjustment) rather than complex mechanical assemblies. The linear magnetic ram with adjustable damping medium uses straightforward mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and assembled, avoiding the need for precision-machined parts or complex alignment procedures required by traditional multi-component haptic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a wide range of haptic feedback effects and patterns across various frequencies and intensities, enhancing user experience through customizable and visually represented feedback.

Implementation Method 1

A linear magnetic ram (LMR) is an actuator that uses electromagnetic forces to move a hammer along a linear path and impact a damping medium to generate haptic feedback

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The damping medium is positioned at a first position along the linear path of the hammer. The damping medium may be moved to a second position along the linear path of the hammer, thereby changing a haptic effect generated when the hammer impacts the damping medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11921930B1Systems and methods for adjustable haptic damping positioning
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 DELL PROD LP
  • US11921930B1 patent drawing
  • US11921930B1 patent drawing
  • US11921930B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An input device for an information handling system ay detect an adjustment to a position of a damping medium of a linear magnetic ram of the input device. The input device may generate haptic feedback based on the detected adjustment to the position of the damping medium of the linear magnetic ram of the input device.