Force Feedback Input Apparatus with Dual Damping Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices with force feedback, such as touch pads, fail to provide a responsive operational sensation due to uncontrolled vibration convergence, resulting in a dull feedback experience for operators.
Innovation Solution
The input apparatus incorporates a drive member with a solenoid and actuator, coupled with first and second damping members, which provide vertical movement and vibration to the operating unit, allowing for a quasi-click sensation by changing the driving direction smoothly and providing feedback at specific pressure values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration is applied by contact of the vertically moving actuator with the elastically held touch pad, then force feedback is provided to the operator, but the vibration of the springs does not quickly converge resulting in unresponsive and dull operational sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping member as an intermediary element between the actuator and the touch pad. This damping member absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy, causing the vibration to converge quickly after the actuator stops moving. The damping member mediates the interaction between the actuator and springs, transforming the harmful prolonged vibration into a controlled, quickly收敛ing motion that provides sharp and responsive operational sensation.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is driven vertically to provide feedback, then operational sensation is provided to the operator, but the vibration persists too long causing unresponsive feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of prolonged spring vibration into a beneficial quick-converging motion. The damping member is specifically designed to absorb the excess vibrational energy that would otherwise cause dull and unresponsive operation. By dissipating this energy through controlled damping, the system achieves sharp, responsive operational sensation with appropriately limited vibration duration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating unit is elastically supported by springs, then the operating unit can move vertically for feedback, but the vibration does not converge quickly resulting in dull sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into two distinct functional components: springs for providing elastic support and enabling vertical movement, and a damping member for controlling vibration convergence. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the springs provide the necessary compliance and feedback capability, while the damping member ensures sharp and responsive operational sensation by quickly converging vibrations.
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 ensures a sharp operational sensation with clear tactile feedback, mimicking a click action by vibrating the operating unit at distinct times, enhancing the operator's recognition of input operations.
Implementation Method 1
The drive member includes an actuator connected to the operating unit, a solenoid that drives the actuator in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
The first damping member has elasticity and is disposed at a position where the first damping member is brought into contact with a lower surface of the operating unit
Implementation Method 3
The second damping member has elasticity and is disposed between an upper surface or a lower surface of the casing member and part of the actuator
Implementation Method 4
The elastic member is positioned below the operating unit and elastically urges the operating unit upward so as to support the operating unit
Data Source
AI summary
The input apparatus with force feedback includes an operating unit that includes an operating surface, a detecting unit that detects an operation performed on the operating surface, a drive member that drives the operating unit, an elastic member that elastically supports the operating unit, and a base unit that holds the drive member. The drive member includes a solenoid that vertically drives an actuator connected to the operating unit and a casing member that holds the solenoid and the actuator. The actuator vertically penetrates through the casing member. The actuator includes a first damping member able to be brought into contact with a lower surface of the operating unit and a second damping member disposed between a lower surface of the casing member and part of the actuator. The second damping member is brought into contact with the actuator and the casing member as the actuator is driven.