Electropermanent Magnet Force Profile for Wear-Free Input Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices face challenges with mechanical implementations that are prone to wear-and-tear and manufacturing tolerances, limiting the customization and accuracy of force feedback profiles.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly in input devices, which includes a permanent magnet and a magnetizing assembly controlled by processors, allows for the customization of force feedback profiles by varying the magnetic field strength and polarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical methods are used to achieve force feedback profiles, then the implementation is simple and reliable, but the system is subject to wear-and-tear and manufacturing tolerances that limit customization and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force feedback mechanisms with an electromagnetic system comprising a permanent magnet and controllable electromagnet. This substitution eliminates wear-and-tear associated with mechanical components while enabling dynamic customization of force feedback profiles through electrical control, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of magnetic field strength and polarity through controllable electromagnets, allowing the force feedback profile to be customized without mechanical modification. This parameter change capability provides versatility while maintaining the reliability of an electromagnet-based system free from mechanical wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustment methods are used to change force feedback profiles, then the device structure remains simple, but the adjustments are limited in scope and subject to wear-and-tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electromagnetic control system. Multiple electromagnets with independent control enable a wide range of force feedback profiles without the physical wear and limited scope of mechanical adjustments, accepting increased electrical control complexity in exchange for vastly improved adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic system serves multiple functions: generating attractive forces, repulsive forces, and variable strength fields through controlled electromagnets. This multi-functionality provides extensive adjustment scope within a unified system structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical input elements are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but manufacturing tolerances detrimentally affect performance characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision-critical mechanical components with electromagnets and permanent magnets. These components can be manufactured with standard tolerances yet still achieve precise and consistent force feedback performance through electrical control, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
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
This solution provides a customizable and adaptable force feedback profile that is not subject to wear-and-tear, offering improved user experience and accuracy compared to traditional mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetizing assembly controlled by the one or more processors and configured to set a strength and polarity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting force
Data Source
AI summary
An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.