Haptic Feedback Input Device Absolute Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback input devices face durability and detection accuracy issues due to the use of potentiometers, which suffer from abrasion and varying resistance characteristics, making it difficult to accurately detect the absolute position of an operating lever.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback input device incorporating an absolute position detecting unit with detection targets and detecting elements that output ON/OFF signals, allowing the control unit to compute the reference position of the operating member, thereby improving durability and detection accuracy without requiring additional driving sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a potentiometer is used as the absolute position detecting unit, then the device can detect the reference position of the operating lever, but the durability deteriorates due to abrasion and resistance characteristics vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical potentiometer-based absolute position detecting unit with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the operating lever, and a magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position to determine the lever's reference position. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and abrasion, thereby improving durability while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element between the operating lever and the detection system. The magnet attaches to the lever without mechanical contact, and the magnetic sensor detects its position through magnetic field interaction. This intermediary approach enables accurate position detection while avoiding the wear and resistance issues of direct mechanical contact in potentiometers.
2Measurement precision
If a complex absolute position detecting unit is used to improve detection accuracy, then the reference position can be detected accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the absolute position detecting unit by replacing complex mechanical structures with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or complex linkages, a simple magnet and magnetic sensor provide accurate reference position detection with fewer moving parts and simpler structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical resistance (in potentiometers) to magnetic field characteristics. By detecting changes in magnetic field strength or direction as the magnet moves with the operating lever, the system achieves accurate position detection using simple electronic sensing rather than complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
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 enables accurate and durable detection of the operating member's position, enhancing the overall operability and reliability of the haptic feedback input device by simplifying the structure of the absolute position detecting unit.
Implementation Method 1
detecting elements that detect the existence of the detection targets and output ON/OFF signals
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic feedback input device includes a pair of driving levers journaled at a frame such that rotary shafts thereof are perpendicular to each other, an operating lever coupled to an intersection of the two driving levers such that it can rock, and a pair of rotary motors that apply feedback force to the operating lever via the two driving levers. In the haptic feedback input device, a pair of rotary encoders detect the relative dislocation amount of the operating level, and an absolute position detecting unit is composed of swing arms fixed to the two driving levers and photo interrupters that detect the existence of blocking portions formed at the swing arms and that output ON/OFF signals. A control unit calculates a reference position of the operating lever based on ON/OFF switching signals of the photo interrupters.