Haptic Controller Strain Plate Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch switch surfaces often generate unintended control signals due to accidental touches or bumps, and existing solutions have limitations in accurately detecting user inputs using gestures without visual feedback.
Innovation Solution
A haptic controller with a contoured user interface and strain gauges that allow users to generate control signals through simple gestures based on touch, using a shaped strain plate with multiple strain surfaces and a microcontroller to detect pressure and torque applied to the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capacitive touch sensors are used in conventional touch switch surfaces, then touch detection capability is provided, but unintended control signals are generated when the surface is accidentally touched or bumped
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor surface is divided into multiple discrete sensing zones (first touch sensor, second touch sensor, etc.) positioned at different locations. Each zone independently detects touch events, allowing the system to distinguish between intentional touches on specific zones and accidental bumps on other zones, thereby reducing false triggers while maintaining touch detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller processes signals from multiple touch sensors and determines whether to execute control signals based on the pattern and location of detected touches. This feedback loop helps differentiate between intentional user input and accidental contact, improving reliability
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges and strain plates are added to detect pressure and torque, then gesture detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions (touch detection, pressure sensing, torque detection) are merged into a single integrated controller housing. The strain plate is integrally formed with or attached to the user interface, and multiple strain gauges are mounted on different surfaces of the same strain plate structure, consolidating multiple sensing elements into one cohesive assembly rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The strain plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a pressure-sensing element through mounted strain gauges, and a torque-sensing element through strategically placed strain gauges on its surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each sensing modality
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
Enables users to perform intuitive and accurate control operations without visual attention, providing distinct control signals for various gestures and allowing for the integration of complex commands from single-handed use, enhancing usability in applications like vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
A strain gage is mounted on each of the plurality of strain surfaces, and each strain gage is electrically connected to a microcontroller
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic controller includes a conventional user interface having a plurality of touch surfaces, a shaped strain plate having a plurality of strain surfaces, each strain surface corresponding with one of the plurality of touch surfaces, a strain gauge mounted on each of the plurality of strain surfaces and a microcontroller electrically connected with the strain gauges.