Deformable Control Housing With Magnetic Sensor Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control apparatuses operative in response to user manipulation by deformation of a resiliently deformable body lack efficient integration with mobile devices equipped with magnetic field sensors, limiting their ability to generate control signals and provide user feedback effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus comprising a resiliently deformable body with a narrow hole to snugly receive a mobile device featuring a magnetic field sensor, combined with a magnetic field emitting device that moves relative to the sensor upon deformation, allowing the mobile device to sense movement and generate control signals or provide user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resiliently deformable body is used for control apparatus, then user manipulation capability is improved, but integration with mobile devices equipped with magnetic field sensors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed to universally interface with mobile devices by providing a standardized mechanical interface (narrow hole) that accommodates various mobile device sizes and orientations. The magnetic field emitting device works with any mobile device containing a magnetic field sensor, enabling multi-functional control across different device types without requiring device-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is received within the narrow hole of the resiliently deformable body, creating a nested configuration where the mobile device fits snugly inside the control apparatus. This nesting arrangement ensures stable mechanical coupling while allowing the magnetic field emitting device to move relative to the sensor during deformation, achieving both secure integration and functional versatility.
2Reliability
If the mobile device is snugly received in the narrow hole, then mechanical coupling is improved, but device orientation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The narrow hole is designed with asymmetric dimensions that are narrower than the mobile device, creating a snug fit that provides reliable mechanical coupling. The asymmetric geometry ensures the device is held securely in place while still accommodating different orientations through the deformation mechanism, resolving the contradiction between secure coupling and orientation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable body provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the narrow hole to deform and adapt to different device orientations and positions. This dynamic deformation enables the system to maintain reliable mechanical coupling across various orientations, as the material can flex and reconfigure to accommodate the mobile device in different states.
3Productivity
If the magnetic field emitting device moves relative to the sensor upon deformation, then control signal generation is improved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field emitting device is designed to move partially relative to the sensor during deformation, providing sufficient movement to generate control signals effectively without excessive displacement that would compromise measurement precision. This partial action approach ensures adequate signal generation while maintaining accurate magnetic field sensing capability.
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 effective control of mobile devices and controllable apparatuses through deformation-based interaction, providing haptic feedback and power management, while accommodating various orientations and movements, enhancing user experience and device control.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field emitting device disposed in or on the resiliently deformable body whereby, in use, the magnetic field emitting device moves relative to the hole and hence the magnetic field sensor of the mobile device upon deformation of the resiliently deformable body
Implementation Method 2
a resiliently deformable body which defines a narrow hole configured to receive lengthwise or widthwise a mobile device comprising a magnetic field sensor, such as a smartphone comprising a Hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to control apparatus. The control apparatus 10 comprises a resiliently deformable body 12 which defines a narrow hole 22 configured to receive lengthwise or widthwise a mobile device 14 and to hold the mobile device snugly when so received. The mobile device 14 comprises a magnetic field sensor 24. The control apparatus further comprises a magnetic field emitting device 20 disposed in or on the resiliently deformable body 12 whereby, in use, the magnetic field emitting device moves relative to the narrow hole 22 and hence the magnetic field sensor 24 of the mobile device upon deformation of the resiliently deformable body.