Haptic Controller Throttle Simulation via Torque Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems lack intuitive and efficient control mechanisms that allow them to operate effectively in throttle modes, particularly in applications requiring human-robot collaboration, where precise control and haptic feedback are essential.
Innovation Solution
A controller system with a rotatable knob and touch sensors, coupled with a motor that applies torque-generating force, enabling the detection of throttle mode inputs and simulating throttle functionality through controlled rotation and haptic feedback, including return-to-center, damping, and sonic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable knob with motor and touch sensors is used to simulate throttle functionality, then the intuitive feel and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (throttle simulation, return-to-center, damping, sonic functions) into a single integrated controller unit with a rotatable knob, motor, and touch sensors. This merging of functions into one device provides comprehensive control capabilities while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between enhanced operation quality and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a directional control (via knob rotation) and throttle control (via touch sensors and motor actuation). The same hardware platform supports multiple operational modes including return-to-center, damping, and sonic functions, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and thereby managing complexity while enhancing operational versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions (throttle, return-to-center, damping, sonic) are integrated into one controller, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements universality by enabling a single device to perform multiple control functions: directional control through knob rotation, throttle control via touch sensors, return-to-center through motor actuation, damping effects, and sonic functions. This multi-functional design achieves high versatility without requiring multiple separate devices, managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller employs dynamic operational modes that can be switched or combined based on operational needs. The motor can dynamically adjust between providing torque for return-to-center, creating damping effects, or generating sonic vibrations, while the touch sensors dynamically detect different user inputs. This dynamic adaptability allows one hardware platform to serve multiple functions, enhancing versatility while controlling complexity through software-controlled behavior rather than hardware proliferation.
3Ease of operation
If the motor applies torque-generating force to simulate throttle, then the haptic feedback quality is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic or intermittent fashion rather than continuously, activating only when haptic feedback is required (such as during return-to-center operations, damping effects, or sonic functions). During normal knob rotation for directional control, the motor remains inactive or operates at minimal power, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high haptic feedback quality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates across a range of power levels and modes, adjusting its output based on the specific function required. For lightweight haptic feedback, the motor operates at lower power levels, while reserve capacity exists for stronger feedback when necessary. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize energy consumption by matching motor output to actual operational requirements rather than operating at constant high power.
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
Enhances the intuitive feel and control of robotic systems by providing precise haptic feedback and customizable throttle modes, allowing for effective human-robot collaboration and operation in various robotic applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor that is operable to apply a torque-generating force to the rotatable knob
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations may relate to a haptic hand-holdable controller configured with throttle functionality. An example device may take the form of a haptic controller, which senses tactile information and provides force feedback. The haptic hand-holdable controller may implement a throttle where a motor varies feedback to the hand-holdable controller to simulate a throttle.