Electropermanent Magnet Input Resistance Using MR Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices face challenges with limited performance, reliability, and high power consumption due to mechanical designs and electromagnets, necessitating improved control and efficiency in converting human inputs into digital signals.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electropermanent magnets (EPM) and magnetorheological (MR) materials to dynamically control the viscosity of input elements, allowing for multiple resistance modes and efficient power usage by setting magnetic fields with minimal power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnets are used to implement functionality in input devices, then certain functional capabilities are improved, but manufacturing costs and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed magnetic fields instead of continuous electromagnetic fields. The system applies magnetic fields in discrete pulses to the magnetorheological material, changing its viscosity only when needed for specific functions. This periodic action dramatically reduces power consumption compared to continuous electromagnet operation, while still achieving the desired functional capabilities when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetorheological material by varying magnetic field parameters (strength, duration, frequency). By controlling these parameters, the system dynamically adjusts the viscosity of the MR material to achieve different functional states (e.g., resistance levels, locking mechanisms) without requiring continuous high power input, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnets are used to implement functionality in input devices, then certain functional capabilities are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetorheological material whose properties can be dynamically changed by varying magnetic field parameters. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed-function electromagnets, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining functional versatility. The same MR material system can provide different functions by simply changing control parameters rather than requiring different hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetorheological material system serves multiple functions within a single implementation. The same MR material can provide resistance control, locking mechanisms, and tactile feedback by varying the magnetic field application. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs compared to using multiple specialized electromagnets for each function.
3Ease of operation
If magnetorheological material is used to control resistance profiles, then dynamic control of input element performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetorheological material acts as an intermediary between the magnetic field source and the input element. Instead of directly controlling the input element's resistance through complex mechanical or electrical mechanisms, the system uses the MR material as a mediator that translates magnetic field variations into viscosity changes, thereby controlling resistance in a simplified manner while achieving dynamic performance control.
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
Enhances input device performance by providing customizable resistance profiles with reduced power requirements, improving control and reliability across various modes of operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element, the MR material having a viscosity, where the viscosity of the MR material changes based on the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly controlled by the one or more processors and configured to control the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.