Haptic Control Member with Inductance-Based Feedback Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic actuators in control members experience varying haptic feedback due to mechanical tolerances, temperature, and humidity changes, making it difficult to maintain consistent performance and requiring a method to detect and adjust these factors without measurement.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with an electronic control system, measuring circuit, and evaluation unit that applies a measuring voltage to the actuator to determine its inductance and adjust the control voltage and period to compensate for changes, ensuring consistent haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromagnetic actuators are used to generate haptic feedback, then driving force is improved, but haptic feedback consistency deteriorates due to mechanical tolerances and environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control system measures the actual haptic feedback characteristics (inductance, resonance frequency) and adjusts control parameters accordingly. The control system applies test signals to the electromagnetic actuator, measures the response, and uses this information to compensate for deviations from target values, thereby maintaining consistent haptic feedback despite mechanical tolerances and environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters (control voltage amplitude, control period, duty cycle) based on measured actuator characteristics. The control system adapts these parameters dynamically to compensate for variations in actuator performance caused by mechanical tolerances, temperature changes, and wear, thereby maintaining reliable haptic feedback while preserving the high driving force capability of the electromagnetic actuator.
2Reliability
If mechanical tolerances are reduced to improve haptic feedback consistency, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces strict mechanical precision requirements with an electronic control system that measures actuator characteristics and compensates for mechanical variations. Instead of relying on tight mechanical tolerances in the armature-coil assembly, the system uses electrical measurements (inductance, resonance frequency) and adaptive control to achieve consistent haptic feedback, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If manual measurement and adjustment of armature-coil distance is performed, then haptic feedback consistency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty of measurement during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the control system automatically measures actuator characteristics and adjusts control parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis by applying test signals and measuring inductance and resonance frequency, then automatically compensates for deviations, eliminating the need for difficult manual measurements and adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors actuator characteristics through electrical measurements and automatically adjusts control parameters based on the measured feedback. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual measurement and adjustment of the armature-coil distance, making the system easy to operate while maintaining consistent haptic feedback.
4Reliability
If compensation for environmental changes is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions using the same hardware components: it drives the electromagnetic actuator, measures inductance, measures resonance frequency, and adjusts control parameters. This multi-functional approach compensates for environmental changes (temperature, humidity) without requiring separate dedicated sensors or control circuits for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
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 the detection and adaptation of haptic feedback characteristics, improving the reliability and consistency of the actuator's performance by adjusting the control parameters based on measured inductance values, thus compensating for mechanical and environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator (12) having an armature (3) and a coil (6) for driving the operating part (2) movingly relative to the carrier (5)
Implementation Method 2
The measuring circuit (9) is designed for measuring a current present at the electromagnetic actuator (12) and for generating a measuring signal proportional thereto
Implementation Method 3
obtain a characteristic value of the actuator based on the measuring signal
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly consisting of a control member which comprises a carrier, an operating part movably supported on the carrier, an electromagnetic actuator comprising an armature and a coil for driving the operating part movingly relative to the carrier is provided. The assembly further comprises an electronic control system connected in an electrically conductive manner with the electromagnetic actuator for applying a control voltage to the electromagnetic actuator for a predetermined control period in a control step in order to generate a haptic feedback; a measuring circuit connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electromagnetic actuator for measuring a current present at the electromagnetic actor and for generating a measuring signal proportional thereto; and an evaluation unit connected in an electrically conductive manner at least to the measuring circuit and designed, in a measuring step offset in time relative to the control step, to apply a measuring voltage to the electromagnetic actuator by the electronic control system for a predetermined test period shorter than the control period, in order to measure by the measuring circuit the current which arises at the electromagnetic actuator as the test period elapses due to the application of the measuring voltage and to generate a measuring signal proportional thereto, and in order to obtain a characteristic value of the actuator based on the measuring signal.