Haptic Control Device Counterweight Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger haptic operator control devices in motor vehicles cause undesirable rolling motion and a dull thud when moved, distracting drivers and compromising vehicle stability.
Innovation Solution
A haptic operator control device with an input unit and actuator unit movably mounted, where the actuator unit and input unit have matching resonant frequencies, canceling out impulses and minimizing movement-induced disturbances, and featuring a display for operator feedback and a mechanical structure with bearings for precise movement definition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the touchpad or touchscreen is made larger, then the operator can better see and operate the display, but rolling motion and thud noise occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by mounting the actuator unit on the housing such that it moves in the opposite direction to the input unit. When the input unit is moved by the operator, the actuator unit generates an opposing movement that counterbalances the impulse, preventing the impulse from being transmitted to the housing. This eliminates the rolling motion and thud noise that would otherwise occur with larger touchpads or touchscreens.
2Ease of operation
If the touchpad or touchscreen is moved to provide haptic feedback, then the operator receives tactile feedback, but impulses are introduced into the motor vehicle causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator unit serves as a counterweight mechanism that generates opposing impulses to cancel out the feedback impulses from the input unit. This allows haptic feedback to be provided to the operator's finger while preventing the impulses from being transmitted to the vehicle structure, thereby eliminating driver distraction from rolling motion and thud noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful impulses into a beneficial effect by using the actuator unit to generate opposing impulses. The same mechanical movement that provides tactile feedback to the operator is simultaneously used to create counterbalancing forces that prevent harmful vibrations and noise from reaching the vehicle housing and driver.
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 prevents rolling motion and thud noise, maintaining driver focus and vehicle stability by canceling out impulses and providing clear operator feedback, while allowing precise control and reduced mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The impulses that occur are not introduced into the motor vehicle and the impulses of the actuator unit and the input unit cancel each other out, at least in part, since they act in opposite directions.
Implementation Method 2
the actuator unit and the input unit have the same resonant frequency, wherein the opposing impulses cancel each other out even better
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic operator control device in a motor vehicle, comprises an input unit, wherein the input unit can be moved by an actuator unit coupled to the input unit, wherein the input unit has a surface, wherein the surface can be touched by an input member of an operator, wherein the input unit and the actuator unit are movably mounted in relation to the motor vehicle.