Mechanically Guided Haptic Control for Variable Magnetic Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic control devices are limited in their ability to dynamically modulate haptic interactions, such as varying stiffness and indexing pitch, and often require continuous power consumption and the use of magnetorheological fluids, which pose design challenges and energy inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A control device comprising a mechanically guided member with a first ferromagnetic structure and a second ferromagnetic structure with an electric coil, where the coil's supply current is controlled based on contextual input signals and the relative position of the structures, allowing for dynamic modulation of the haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetorheological fluids are used to modulate haptic interactions, then the ability to dynamically vary stiffness and damping is improved, but device complexity and sealing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetorheological fluid-based haptic modulation with a magnetic indexing system using permanent magnets and ferromagnetic teeth. This substitution eliminates the need for sealed fluid chambers and complex fluid management while achieving dynamic haptic effects through magnetic field interactions between the control member and stationary structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the magnetorheological fluid component from the system entirely, replacing it with a dry magnetic indexing mechanism. This extraction simplifies the device by eliminating sealing requirements and fluid management systems while maintaining the core functionality of dynamic haptic feedback.
2Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to maintain haptic effects, then haptic feedback consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic magnetic indexing where the control member interacts with stationary permanent magnets at discrete positions along its travel path. This creates haptic feedback only when needed (at indexing positions) rather than requiring continuous power supply, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable haptic feedback at critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses permanent magnets that provide passive magnetic fields without requiring continuous power supply. The ferromagnetic teeth on the control member are attracted to these permanent magnets, creating haptic feedback automatically based on position rather than requiring active power maintenance, thus achieving energy efficiency while preserving haptic consistency.
3Measurement precision
If variable indexing pitch is implemented, then user control precision is improved, but mechanical design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable indexing pitch by positioning permanent magnets at non-uniform intervals along the travel path of the control member. This creates different indexing densities in different regions - finer pitch in areas requiring precision control and coarser pitch in areas for broader adjustments - without requiring a complex variable pitch mechanical mechanism, thus achieving precision while managing design complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple haptic modes are provided, then user experience is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple haptic modes using a single magnetic indexing mechanism by varying the activation patterns and combinations of permanent magnets rather than requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each mode. The control system can selectively engage different subsets of the same magnetic indexing structure to provide diverse haptic experiences, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
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 device enables dynamic variation of haptic sensations, including indexing pitch and stop sensations, in real-time, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for magnetorheological fluids, thereby enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second ferromagnetic structure with an electric coil, the coil's supply current being controlled based on contextual input signals and the relative position of the structures
Implementation Method 2
magnetic indexing of the displacement by the magnetic interaction between a first ferromagnetic structure and a second ferromagnetic structure
Data Source
AI summary
A control device comprising at least one permanent magnet, and a mechanically guided member for enabling a relative movement between a. a first ferromagnetic structure, b. a second ferromagnetic structure comprising at least one electric coil, the electric coil modifying the magnetization state of the second ferromagnetic structure in accordance with the direction and the amplitude of the electric current flowing in the coil, the device furthermore comprising a position detection means for detecting the relative position of the first and second ferromagnetic structures, and a circuit for driving the supply current of the coil, which varies as a function of the signal delivered by the position detection means.