Electromechanical Haptic Locking Actuator for Adjustable Detent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices lack improved locking behavior and flexibility in detent settings, with mechanical detents being inflexible and prone to wear, limiting user experience and precision in control tasks.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with an electric motor and control device that simulates a detent by generating force signals to mimic mechanical locking, allowing adjustable detent positions, strengths, and timing, enabling precise and customizable haptic feedback without mechanical wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical detent is used to provide locking behavior, then the operating element achieves stable positioning, but the detent is prone to wear and lacks flexibility in adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detent system with an electromechanical actuator that applies controlled force to the operating element. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear between detent components while enabling flexible, programmable positioning through electronic control signals, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical geometry to variable electrical control signals. The actuator's force application point and magnitude can be dynamically adjusted through control signals, allowing the detent position and strength to be modified without physical reconfiguration, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining stable positioning
2Reliability
If a mechanical detent is used to provide locking behavior, then the operating element achieves stable positioning, but the detent components are subject to mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detent system with an electromechanical actuator that applies controlled force to the operating element. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear between detent components while enabling flexible, programmable positioning through electronic control signals, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electromechanical actuator is used to simulate detent, then flexibility and adjustability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the detent locking force, enables programmable positioning, and can be controlled through standardized control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical detent mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the added electronic control capabilities
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 provides a realistic and adjustable locking mechanism that enhances user experience with precise control, adaptable to various applications and reducing mechanical wear, allowing for flexible detent settings and precise regulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (20) for direct or indirect application of force to the operating element (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (10) for controlling or regulating a device by a user (32). The operating device (10) has a control element (12) that can be deflected by the user (32) so that the operating device (10) generates or modifies an electrical signal to control/regulate the device. The operating device (10) has an electric motor (20) that is at least indirectly connected to the control element (12). The electric motor (20) is configured to assist and decelerate the actuation of the control element (12) by the user (32). The operating device (10) further has a control unit (38) configured to control the electric motor (20) such that the user (32) receives the haptic impression of a mechanical detent at a preset detent deflection.The control device (38) is designed to control the electric motor (20) such that the operating element (12) is pulled towards the detent deflection in the immediate vicinity of the detent deflection, i.e., within a predetermined detent area. The deflection range of the operating element (12), in which the operating element (12) is pulled towards the detent deflection, is preferably symmetrical to the detent deflection. The invention further relates to a method for controlling such an operating device 10.