Electromagnetic Actuator Haptic Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for motor vehicles face challenges in providing effective haptic feedback while minimizing acoustic noise and energy consumption, as the mechanical action and structure-borne noise excitation are perceived as disturbing and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An input method utilizing an actuating element oscillating about a rest position, driven by an electromagnetic actuator with a control unit generating a chronological sequence of electrical excitation and braking signals, which reduces sound radiation by limiting the frequency spectrum and amplitude of vibrations, allowing for quieter and more energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnetic actuator is used to generate haptic feedback by mechanically actuating the actuating element, then effective haptic feedback is provided, but acoustic noise and structure-borne noise excitation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuation system with an electromagnetic actuator that generates haptic feedback through electromagnetic forces. The actuating element is coupled to the electromagnetic actuator, which generates a reaction force in response to user actuation, providing haptic feedback without the mechanical noise associated with traditional mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the electromagnetic actuator as a mediator between the user's mechanical input and the feedback system. The actuator converts the mechanical actuation into an electromagnetic response, which then generates haptic feedback through electromagnetic interaction rather than direct mechanical transmission, thereby reducing noise.
2Reliability
If the actuating element is made to oscillate to generate haptic feedback, then user perception of feedback is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by making the actuating element oscillate in response to user input. The electromagnetic actuator generates controlled oscillations of the actuating element about its rest position, providing rhythmic haptic feedback that enhances user perception while being energy-efficient compared to continuous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the oscillation characteristics of the actuating element. The system modifies parameters such as oscillation amplitude, frequency, and duration based on the detected user input, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective haptic feedback perception.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical actuation is used, then haptic feedback is generated, but installation space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical actuation systems with a compact electromagnetic actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, and dampers, significantly reducing the weight of the input device while maintaining effective haptic feedback generation through electromagnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback, generates acoustic feedback, and acts as a sensor for detecting user input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical components for each function, reducing overall device weight and installation space.
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 effectively reduces sound radiation and energy consumption, enhancing user perception of haptic feedback while minimizing noise and weight, thereby improving the overall performance and efficiency of input devices in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator for generating a reaction as feedback in response to a user who causes the actuating element to be actuated and/or touched
Implementation Method 2
an actuating element (2) mounted to oscillate about a rest position in a vibration direction
Implementation Method 3
a control unit which is electrically connected to the detection means and is designed to generate an electrical control signal for controlling the electromagnetic actuator. This control signal consists of a chronological sequence of an electrical excitation signal and a subsequent electrical braking signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to an input method having haptic feedback, comprising the following steps: providing an actuating element (2), which is mounted for vibration around a resting position (0) in a vibration direction (S), an electromechanical actuator (4, 5) for acting on the actuating element (2) in the vibration direction (S) in a vibration-inducing manner, sensing means (6) for sensing at least one start of manual touching and/or actuation of the actuating element (2), and a control unit (8), which is electrically connected to the sensing means (6), for producing an electrical control signal (S(t)), which comprises, in temporal sequence, an electrical inducing signal (A(t)) and an electrical braking signal (B(t)) for controlling the electromechanical actuator (4, 5); inducing a specified vibration (X(t)) of the actuating element (2) in the vibration direction (S) in order to produce haptic feedback by means of the electromechanical actuator (4, 5) from the electrical inducing signal (A(t)) with or after sensing of the start of the manual touching and/or actuation of the actuating element (2) by the sensing means (6); and braking the vibration (X(t)) of the actuating element (2) by producing a braking action on the actuating element (2) in the vibration direction (S) by means of the electromechanical actuator (4, 5) from the electrical braking signal (B(t)), characterized in that the amplitude spectrum (X(f)) of the vibration (X(t)) in the vibration direction (S), which vibration is measured at the actuating element (2) and results from the inducing and braking, has a limit frequency (fGR) with associated limit amplitude (X(fGR)), the amplitude spectrum (X(f>fGR)) from this limit frequency (fGR) with increasing frequency remaining under the limit amplitude (X(fGR)), the limit amplitude being defined by a drop to 70% relative to a maximum amplitude (X(f0)) of the amplitude spectrum (X(f)), and the limit frequency (fGR) lying in a range below 120 Hz, preferably in a range below 100 Hz, more preferably in a region below 90 Hz.