Electropermanent Magnet Trackpad Actuation Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems, such as those using trackpads, face challenges with high material costs and degradation issues due to the use of rigid materials like stainless steel and glass, which also limit customization of actuation force and lead to user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electropermanent magnets (EPMs) that provide a consistent and user-defined actuation force by selectively increasing magnetic flux through the alignment of low-coercivity magnets with high-coercivity magnets, allowing for incremental adjustment of the actuation force and reducing material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials like stainless steel and glass are used in trackpads, then structural strength is improved, but material cost increases and degradation issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of magnetic materials by applying electrical current to alter magnetic flux, transitioning between different magnetic states to achieve desired actuation forces without relying on rigid structural materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-based actuation systems with an electropermanent magnetic field system, eliminating mechanical wear and degradation while maintaining actuation functionality through electrical control
2Force
If traditional mechanical actuation systems are used, then actuation force is provided, but customization of actuation force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic actuation system where the magnetic flux and actuation force can be adjusted in real-time through electrical current control, allowing multiple discrete actuation force levels rather than fixed mechanical spring rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to define and change actuation force parameters through software control of the electropermanent magnets, enabling customization of magnetic flux levels to match different user preferences and application requirements
3Stability of the object's composition
If high-coercivity magnets are used to maintain magnetic flux, then magnetic field stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic system into two functional segments: high-coercivity magnets for field stability and low-coercivity magnets for controllable flux adjustment, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the magnetic assembly use different magnet types strategically placed to achieve specific local functions - high-coercivity magnets where stability is needed and low-coercivity magnets where controllable actuation is required, optimizing overall system performance
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 use of EPMs in trackpads reduces material costs, maintains actuation force over time, and allows for user-defined tactile characteristics, enhancing user satisfaction and preventing errant clicks by adjusting the actuation force.
Implementation Method 1
selectively increasing magnetic flux through the alignment of low-coercivity magnets with high-coercivity magnets
Implementation Method 2
providing a consistent and user-defined actuation force by selectively increasing magnetic flux
Implementation Method 3
maintains actuation force over time
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor to receive input from a trackpad at the information handling system, from a user; and an electropermanent magnet control system to control the activation of an electropermanent magnet (EPM) magnetically couplable to the trackpad to influence the force of actuation.