Operation Element Exciter Spring Force Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active haptic surfaces face challenges in accurately measuring actuation force without introducing additional costs or error sources, as current methods are either inaccurate or require extra sensors, complicating the system.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a second spring connected between the first exciter and the frame allows for reliable measurement of the force applied by a user's finger through inductance changes, enabling accurate actuation threshold detection and haptic feedback generation without increasing complexity or costs, and optionally using a second exciter in series or parallel to optimize energy transfer and haptic feedback profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to measure actuation force, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation force measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exciter's own physical quantity (inductance, capacitance, or resistance) is used to measure the actuation force. The exciter serves dual purposes: generating haptic feedback and measuring the applied force, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The exciter is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the haptic feedback generator and the force measurement sensor. By utilizing the exciter's inherent electrical properties that change with position, the system achieves accurate force measurement without requiring additional dedicated sensing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to measure actuation force, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation force measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The exciter's own physical quantity (inductance, capacitance, or resistance) is used to measure the actuation force. The exciter serves dual purposes: generating haptic feedback and measuring the applied force, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The exciter is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the haptic feedback generator and the force measurement sensor. By utilizing the exciter's inherent electrical properties that change with position, the system achieves accurate force measurement without requiring additional dedicated sensing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If exciter is mounted away from operation point, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidactuation threshold detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the physical quantity of the exciter and uses this feedback to determine the actuation threshold. By measuring changes in the exciter's own electrical properties in response to surface displacement, the system achieves accurate threshold detection without requiring the exciter to be positioned directly at the operation point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between the exciter and the operation point with an electrical measurement system. Instead of requiring mechanical proximity for accurate measurement, the system uses changes in the exciter's electrical properties (inductance, capacitance, or resistance) to detect surface displacement and determine actuation thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration enhances the accuracy of actuation force measurement and reduces energy losses, providing improved haptic feedback while maintaining system simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

allows for reliable measurement of the force applied by a user's finger through inductance changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductance change: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first force-generating unit (11) configured to exert a force to at least one of the first mass (7) and the operation surface (2) and to change a physical quantity of the first force-generating unit (11) based on a position of the first mass (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a first spring (6) coupling the operation surface (2) and the first mass (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4364862B1Operation element with exciter spring

Publication Date: 2025.03.26 GREWUS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

An operation element comprising: a frame, an operation surface, a first exciter comprising a first mass and a first force-generating unit, a first spring coupling the operation surface and the first mass, a second spring connecting the first mass and the frame, wherein the first force-generating unit is configured to exert a force to at least one of the first mass and the operation surface and to change a physical quantity of the first force-generating unit based on the position of the first mass.