Haptic Feedback Operating Unit with Localized Electroactive Polymer Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine control units, such as sidesticks in aircraft, require extensive device technology and space to provide haptic feedback, which can interfere with precise control and are not ergonomically intuitive, especially when the entire input element needs to be equipped with feedback functions.
Innovation Solution
A compact operating unit that integrates a manually operated input element with a haptic feedback element, where the feedback is limited to a specific area, utilizing electroactive polymers or other actuators, allowing for precise control and intuitive feedback without distracting from the main input function, and optionally incorporating visual displays for additional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If haptic feedback is provided across the entire input element, then comprehensive feedback is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The input element is divided into two distinct functional zones: a feedback element that generates haptic feedback and a remaining area that provides precise control input. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining feedback effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Haptic feedback is localized to a specific portion of the input element rather than being distributed across the entire surface. This local quality approach concentrates feedback resources where most needed while preserving precision control in other areas, thereby reducing equipment complexity and space requirements.
2Reliability
If haptic feedback is provided across the entire input element, then comprehensive feedback is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The input element is divided into two distinct functional zones: a feedback element that generates haptic feedback and a remaining area that provides precise control input. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining feedback effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Haptic feedback is localized to a specific portion of the input element rather than being distributed across the entire surface. This local quality approach concentrates feedback resources where most needed while preserving precision control in other areas, thereby reducing equipment complexity and space requirements.
3Reliability
If the entire input element is equipped with feedback functions, then comprehensive feedback is provided, but control precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The input element is divided into two distinct functional zones: a feedback element that generates haptic feedback and a remaining area that provides precise control input. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining feedback effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Haptic feedback is localized to a specific portion of the input element rather than being distributed across the entire surface. This local quality approach concentrates feedback resources where most needed while preserving precision control in other areas, thereby reducing equipment complexity and space requirements.
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 accurate and sensitive machine control with reduced device complexity and space requirements, providing operators with relevant haptic feedback without compromising the input element's functionality, and offering ergonomic design and intuitive feedback.
Implementation Method 1
A reconfigurable, tactile human-machine interface is known from US 2010/207775 A1. From EP 2 385 518 A2 a device is disclosed which can give a user of the device haptic feedback by means of electroactive polymer actuators.
Implementation Method 2
This can be achieved by vibrating the sidestick as a whole or by generating variable operating forces or resistances depending on the airspeed in response to the pilot's control inputs.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
An operating unit (10; 10a) for controlling machines or the like, with a manually operable input element (11) arranged to move in the direction of at least one axis (x, y, z) or about at least one axis (x, y, z) wherein at least one feedback element (30) generating a haptic force (F) is arranged on a part of the input element (11).