Electropermanent Magnet Input Element for Wear-Free Force Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices face challenges in providing customizable and durable force feedback profiles due to mechanical wear and tear, as well as limitations in manufacturing tolerances, which affect user experience and performance.
Innovation Solution
An electropermanent magnet (EPM) system is integrated into input devices, allowing for the generation of a magnetic field that can be instantly changed to provide customizable force feedback profiles, combining with mechanical components to offer adaptable and real-time feedback modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical methods are used to achieve force feedback profiles, then the input device provides tactile feedback to the user, but the mechanical components are subject to wear-and-tear over long term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force feedback mechanisms with an electropermanent magnet system that uses magnetic fields to provide force feedback. The electropermanent magnet can be switched between magnetized and demagnetized states to create variable force profiles without mechanical contact, eliminating wear-and-tear on moving parts while maintaining reliable tactile feedback over long term use
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustment methods are used to customize force feedback profiles, then the input device allows performance customization, but the adjustments are limited in scope and subject to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electropermanent magnets that can be switched between magnetized and demagnetized states to dynamically change the force feedback characteristics. This electrical control mechanism allows for precise, repeatable adjustments of force profiles without being constrained by mechanical adjustment limitations or manufacturing tolerances, enabling consistent performance across identical models
Solution Approach 2:
The electropermanent magnet system allows the force feedback profile to be dynamically changed between different states (magnetized/demagnetized) to provide multiple force feedback modes. This dynamic switching capability enables customization of input element characteristics without mechanical reconfiguration, overcoming the static nature of traditional mechanical adjustment methods
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 EPM system enables near-instantaneous shifts in force feedback profiles, providing a wide range of discrete levels and reducing wear-and-tear effects, allowing for customizable click events and improved user experience without significant power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other
Implementation Method 3
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 4
the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting force in proportion to the strength of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 5
a first ferromagnetic element coupled to the depressible input element, and a second ferromagnetic element coupled to the EPM assembly
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.