Ferromagnetic Planar Components Magnetic Actuation Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic feedback systems in operating devices, particularly electronic switches, face challenges in providing effective feedback without large installation space and complex designs, especially in environments with extreme temperature variations, and are influenced by friction and tilting issues.

Innovation Solution

A compact operating device design featuring two parallel ferromagnetic flat components with a flat coil between them, allowing for relative displacement and maintaining parallelism, which reduces structural depth and minimizes frictional influences, using resilient connections and a flat coil on a printed circuit board to provide haptic feedback with minimal installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sliding guide is used to guide the ferromagnetic flat component, then the component can be guided in depth and position, but a deep installation space is required and friction negatively affects haptic feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance stabilityVSAvoidinstallation depth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sliding guide system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Two flat coils generate magnetic fields that directly act on the ferromagnetic flat component, eliminating the need for mechanical guides and their associated friction and depth requirements. The magnetic fields provide both actuation and positioning without physical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental actuation mechanism from mechanical force transmission through guides to magnetic field interaction. By using controllable magnetic field strength and distribution from the flat coils, the system achieves precise positioning and haptic feedback without the constraints of mechanical guide geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a sliding guide is used to guide the ferromagnetic flat component, then the component can be guided in depth and position, but friction in the guide negatively affects haptic feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance stabilityVSAvoidfriction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sliding guide system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Two flat coils generate magnetic fields that directly act on the ferromagnetic flat component, eliminating the need for mechanical guides and their associated friction and depth requirements. The magnetic fields provide both actuation and positioning without physical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic fields as a non-contact force transmission medium, analogous to how pneumatic or hydraulic systems use fluids. The magnetic field acts as the intermediary that transmits force and control to the ferromagnetic component without physical contact, thereby eliminating friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If familiar haptic control elements are used for touchscreens, then haptic feedback is provided, but large installation space and complex drive systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedbackVSAvoiddrive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation function and the haptic feedback function into a single integrated system. The same flat coils that generate magnetic fields for actuation also provide the haptic feedback by creating perceptible magnetic forces and movements, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat coil system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides actuation force, positioning control, and haptic feedback. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to dedicated haptic feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If familiar haptic control elements are used for touchscreens, then haptic feedback is provided, but large installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedbackVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation function and the haptic feedback function into a single integrated system. The same flat coils that generate magnetic fields for actuation also provide the haptic feedback by creating perceptible magnetic forces and movements, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sliding guide system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Two flat coils generate magnetic fields that directly act on the ferromagnetic flat component, eliminating the need for mechanical guides and their associated friction and depth requirements. The magnetic fields provide both actuation and positioning without physical contact.

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

The solution enables haptic feedback that is independent of guide friction and maintains component parallelism, achieving a low overall height and sensitive feedback while requiring less installation space, suitable for extreme temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

At least one coil is arranged between the planar components, and by energizing the coil, the planar components can be moved relative to each other in their planes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the planar components consist entirely or partially of a ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

having spring-elastic areas near the fastening ends and being rigid in their connection area between the fastening ends, whereby the spring-elastic areas exert a preload on the planar components that moves them away from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2754006B1Operating arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2754006B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2754006B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9
  • EP2754006B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6d

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating arrangement having an operating element with haptic feedback, wherein the operating element can be actuated by an operator (1) by means of an input organ, and having a first and a second planar component (2, 3), the large surfaces of which are parallel to one another and can be moved relative to one another, wherein the first planar component (2) forms the operating element or entirely or partially translates its movement to the operating element. The planar components (2, 3) are guided, retaining their mutual parallelism, between a rest position and an actuation position, wherein in the actuation position, the distance between the two planar components (2, 3) is shorter than it is in the rest position and the two planar components (2, 3) are urged into the rest position thereof under the effect of springs.