Haptic Feedback Interface Module with Elastic Return Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback interface modules in vehicles provide non-reproducible and often weak feedback due to limited momentum and complex movements, posing a safety risk by requiring driver attention away from the road during function adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastic return means with an eccentric flyweight that returns to a rest position when the motor is powered off, allowing for controlled and reproducible haptic feedback through increased energy dissipation and a defined haptic feedback profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an eccentric flyweight driven in rotation by an electric motor is used to generate haptic feedback, then the interface module can provide tactile feedback to the user, but the haptic feedback is non-reproducible and often weak due to limited momentum and complex movements
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means are pre-configured to automatically return the eccentric flyweight to a predetermined rest position after motor actuation. This preliminary action ensures that each haptic feedback cycle starts from the same initial position, guaranteeing reproducibility without requiring complex control systems or multiple actuators.
2Ease of operation
If the driver uses interface modules with scrolling menus to control vehicle functions, then a large number of functions can be controlled with a compact module, but the driver's attention is required for several seconds which creates a danger of accident
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module incorporates haptic feedback that provides immediate tactile confirmation to the driver upon interaction. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to understand that their input has been registered without needing to visually check the display, enabling quicker reactions and reducing distraction time while maintaining full functionality.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the eccentric flyweight is allowed to rotate freely to generate vibrations, then haptic feedback can be produced, but the momentum is limited by the short movements of the weight before impact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the previously wasted elastic potential energy stored in the deformed return means into beneficial haptic feedback. By allowing the eccentric flyweight to rotate through a larger angle against the elastic return means and then releasing it, the stored energy is converted into controlled vibrations that provide strong, reproducible haptic feedback while efficiently dissipating energy.
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 enhances the fidelity and reproducibility of haptic feedback, providing a more reliable and safer user experience by ensuring consistent vibrations without mechanical shocks, thus reducing the risk of accidents during vehicle function adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return means, in power take-off with the flyweight, configured to return the flyweight to a rest position when the motor is no longer powered
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric weight, intended to be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation by the motor to transmit energy kinetics to the interface element during its rotation
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a haptic feedback interface module, in particular for vehicle interiors, comprising: - an interface element (5), intended to be in contact with a user of the interface module, - an electric motor (11), an eccentric weight (9), intended to be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation (A) by the motor (11) to transmit kinetic energy to the interface element (7) during its rotation in order to move said interface element (7) to provide haptic feedback, characterized in that it further comprises: elastic return means (15), in force connection with the weight (9), configured to return the weight to a rest position when the motor (11) is no longer powered.