Magnetic-Fluid Haptic Hinge and Knob for Torque-Controlled Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinged doors require fixed rotation strength and angle, necessitating separate locking mechanisms and posing risks of door collision due to uncontrolled closure speed.
Innovation Solution
A haptic knob and hinge system utilizing a fluid containing magnetic particles, controlled by a magnetic field, adjusts rotational torque and angle, incorporating a locking function and sensory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed rotation strength door handle is used, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to rotate for users with varying effort capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle incorporates a magnetic particle fluid mechanism that dynamically adjusts rotational torque based on user input. The fluid's viscosity changes in response to magnetic fields, allowing the handle to adapt its resistance to rotation, making it easier for users with varying strength to operate while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the fluid (viscosity) by applying magnetic fields. This allows the rotational characteristics of the door handle to be modified without mechanical complexity, enabling smooth rotation for authorized users while maintaining fixed strength for security purposes.
2Reliability
If a fixed operation strength hinge is used, then the hinge structure is simple, but the door closes too quickly causing collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge incorporates magnetic particle fluid that dynamically adjusts its resistance to door movement. During closing, the fluid provides controlled damping to prevent rapid closure and collision. The dynamic adjustment of fluid properties allows safe operation without complex mechanical damping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particle fluid acts as an intermediary between the door and hinge structure, providing controlled resistance to movement. This fluid mediator enables smooth, safe door closure while maintaining a relatively simple hinge structure without requiring additional mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no separate locking means is used, then the door structure is simple, but a key or separate locking device is needed to lock the door
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the operational handle for opening the door and as the locking mechanism. By integrating the locking function into the handle itself through magnetic particle fluid control, the system eliminates the need for separate keys or locking devices while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 adjustable rotational torque and angle, prevents door collisions, and integrates locking functionality, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid configured to fill at least a part in the housing and including magnetic particles, in which the controller controls a magnetic field applied to the fluid in accordance with a mode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a haptic knob system and a haptic hinge system. The haptic knob system according to the present invention adopts a fluid containing magnetic particles and includes a body part, a knob, an encoder, and a controller, in which the knob is installed on at least a part of the body part and includes a housing, a shafrotatably installed in the housing, at least one rotary ring connected to the shaft and configured to rotate in conjunction with a rotation of the shaft, a coil part disposed in the housing, and a fluid configured to fill at least a part in the housing and including magnetic particles, in which the encoder detects at least any one of a rotational velocity and a rotation angle of the shaft, and in which the controller controls a magnetic field applied to the fluid in accordance with a mode.