Multi-Axis Haptic Controller with Damping Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic controllers for sound production lack intuitive control possibilities and proximity to musical instruments, limiting their effectiveness for musicians seeking real-time, multi-axis control.

Innovation Solution

A haptic controller with a base, steering member, and connecting member featuring damping elements and leaf springs, allowing variable force application and rotation along multiple axes, with sensors to measure deformation and displacement for real-time sound characteristic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional potentiometers or knobs are used for control, then the device structure is simple, but the control possibilities and proximity to musical instruments are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol possibilitiesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into multiple independent components: a control member with control support, a connecting member with proximal and distal ends, multiple pivots (proximal pivot, distal pivot), and multiple damping elements. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to control possibilities while maintaining manageable complexity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional single-axis knob control to multi-axis control by introducing rotational movement around multiple parallel axes (X1-X1 and X2-X2) through the pivot system. This dimensional expansion enables musicians to control sound parameters more intuitively, mimicking the freedom of movement in traditional musical instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-axis control with connecting members and pivots is implemented, then control possibilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-axis controlVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components: the connecting member combines structural support with pivot mounting functions; the damping elements are integrated directly into the connection between control member and base; the control member integrates control support with connection functionality. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while achieving multi-axis control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping elements are positioned to automatically dampen pivoting movements during force application without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The leaf springs mounted in parallel automatically provide mechanical coupling and movement restriction between sections, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control systems for each degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If damping elements are added to dampen pivoting during force application, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Damping elements are introduced as intermediary components between the control member and base, and between the connecting member sections. These intermediaries provide controlled resistance to pivoting movements, allowing precise measurement of applied forces while maintaining smooth operation. The damping elements mediate between the user's input and the sensor measurements, improving control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If leaf springs are used to allow translation along X1-X1 axis, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The leaf springs are designed with adjustable parameters through an associated adjustment element that can modify the stiffness of the springs. This allows the translation capability along the X1-X1 axis to be tuned according to specific application requirements. The parameter adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical modification rather than complex manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 haptic controller provides enhanced control possibilities with fine-tuned force feedback, offering a user interface closer to traditional musical instruments, enabling real-time modification of sound characteristics through multi-axis control.

Implementation Method 1

damping elements arranged respectively between the base and the connecting member and between the liaison body and the body steering so as to dampen the pivoting of the connecting member and the steering member during the application of a force on the steering support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the connecting member comprises a first section and a second section interconnected by two leaf springs mounted in parallel with each other, so as to allow translation of the steering member along the X1-X1 axis with respect to the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3129981B1Improved haptic controller
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 EXPRESSIVE
  • EP3129981B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3129981B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a haptic controller (1), including: a base (2); a control member (3), and a control mounting (33) suitable for enabling the application of a variable force at one or more points; a connection member (4) connecting the control member (3) to the base (2), characterised in that two pivots (72, 71) having parallel axes connect the connection member (4) to the base (2) and to the control member (3), the haptic controller (1) further including damping elements (81, 82) arranged between the base (2) and the connection member (4) and between the connection member (4) and the control member (3), respectively, so as to damp the pivoting of the connection member (4) and of the control member (3) during the application of force onto the control mounting (33).