Haptic Actuator Controller Dynamic Gain Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Haptic actuator systems face challenges in achieving fast startup and stable braking due to instability caused by high feedback gains, which can lead to system oscillations and loss of lock to resonance frequency, especially when the actuator is nearly stopped.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a haptic actuator controller with a gain controller that applies boost gains during a startup interval and end-of-braking gains during a braking interval, partitioning operation into distinct intervals to rapidly initiate and halt actuator motion while maintaining stability, by adjusting gains based on back-electromotive-force (BEMF) voltage thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high feedback gains are applied to the haptic actuator controller, then the actuator response speed and control precision are improved, but system stability deteriorates causing oscillations and loss of lock to resonance frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator response speedVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic gain adjustment by switching between different gain values based on the actuator's operational state. During startup, a first gain value is used to provide fast response, while during braking when the actuator is nearly stopped, a second gain value is applied to maintain stability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and stability by optimizing gain for each operational phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the feedback gain parameter based on the actuator's velocity state. When the actuator is moving, higher gains are acceptable for fast response. When the actuator approaches zero velocity during braking, the gain is reduced to prevent oscillations. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve both fast response and stability at different operational moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If high feedback gains are applied during braking interval, then the actuator stops faster, but system oscillations occur when the actuator is nearly stopped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking timeVSAvoidbraking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the feedback gain during the braking interval based on the actuator's instantaneous velocity. Initially, higher gains are applied to achieve fast deceleration. As the actuator approaches zero velocity, the controller detects this state and switches to a lower gain value to prevent oscillations. This dynamic gain scheduling resolves the contradiction between braking speed and braking stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller prepares for potential oscillations by monitoring the actuator's velocity and anticipating the transition to low-speed operation during braking. Before oscillations can occur, the controller preemptively adjusts the gain value when it detects the actuator is nearing stop, ensuring smooth deceleration without instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the haptic actuator controller uses fixed gain values, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain stability across different operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller complexityVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic gain control mechanism that automatically adjusts feedback gains based on the actuator's operational state (startup vs. braking). This adds complexity to the controller logic but significantly improves operational stability across different conditions. The dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses feedback from the actuator's velocity and position to determine when to switch between different gain values. During braking, when the actuator velocity approaches zero, the feedback mechanism triggers a gain reduction to prevent oscillations. This feedback-driven gain adjustment maintains stability across varying operating conditions while keeping the control logic relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach reduces startup time and ensures stable operation by applying higher boost gains during startup and lower end-of-braking gains during braking, preventing system instability and maintaining lock to the resonance frequency.

Implementation Method 1

a back-electromotive-force (BEMF) voltage generated by the haptic actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBack-electromotive-force (BEMF): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9274602B2Haptic actuator controller
Publication Date: 2016.03.01 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US9274602B2 patent drawing
  • US9274602B2 patent drawing
  • US9274602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for controlling a haptic actuator. A haptic actuator controller can includes driver input amplifier, an actuator feedback amplifier, an actuator driver, and a gain controller. The actuator driver is configured to drive a haptic actuator based on a difference of output of the input amplifier and output of the actuator feedback amplifier. The gain controller is configured to determine a boost interval for initiating motion of the haptic actuator, the boost interval based on a boost threshold back-electromotive-force (BEMF) voltage value exceeding a BEMF voltage generated by the haptic actuator. The gain controller is also configured to apply boost gains in the input amplifier and the feedback amplifier during the boost interval. The boost gains are higher than gains applied subsequent to the boost interval to maintain motion of the haptic actuator.