Lever Fulcrum Position Control for Actuator Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing designs for controlling the actuation force of electromechanical actuators, such as computer mouse buttons and keypads, are complex, costly, and unreliable, making it difficult to selectively adjust the force required for actuation.
Innovation Solution
A force control module comprising a lever element and a fulcrum element, where the fulcrum element is displaceable relative to the lever element to vary the fulcrum point position, thereby controlling the force required for actuation by adjusting the position of the fulcrum point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex existing designs (such as air pressure bladders or magnetic fields) are used to control actuation force, then the force control capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (air pressure bladders, magnetic fields) with a simple lever and fulcrum mechanical system. The lever element is coupled to the actuator, and the fulcrum element can be positioned at different locations along the lever to vary the actuation force, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while maintaining force adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of fulcrum position along the lever element to control actuation force. By moving the fulcrum element to different positions on the lever, the mechanical advantage changes, thereby varying the force required to actuate the electromechanical actuator without adding device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If air pressure bladders or magnetic fields are used for force control, then force adjustment is enabled, but reliability decreases due to non-linear spring action and size dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes unreliable systems (air pressure bladders with non-linear spring action, magnetic fields) with a reliable simple lever and fulcrum mechanical system that provides consistent and predictable force control through geometric relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized lever and fulcrum mechanism that can be replicated across different actuator sizes and applications, providing consistent reliable performance regardless of the specific actuator dimensions or type
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing force control mechanisms are implemented, then actuation force can be controlled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive lever and fulcrum elements that can be easily manufactured from simple materials, replacing costly air pressure systems, magnetic components, or complex mechanical assemblies, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining force control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the force control function into simple discrete components (lever element, fulcrum element) that can be manufactured independently and assembled easily, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated complex systems
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 cost-effective, simple, and convenient control of the actuation force, allowing users to select and adjust the force required for electromechanical actuators, improving the tactile feel and functionality of devices like computer mice and keyboards.
Implementation Method 1
a lever or moment arm element couplable to the electromechanical actuator and a fulcrum element engageable with the lever element at a fulcrum point
Implementation Method 2
The fulcrum element is configured to be displaceable relative to the lever element to vary a fulcrum point position. A quantity of force required for actuating the electromechanical actuator and hence displace the lever element about the fulcrum point is at least partially dependent upon the fulcrum point position
Data Source
AI summary
A force control module, assembly, or device for controlling a force required to actuate an electromechanical actuator or a set of electromechanical actuators. The electromechanical actuator is for example a computer mouse button, a keypad, or a joystick button. The force control module includes a lever element that is couplable to the electromechanical actuator, and a fulcrum element that is engageable with the lever element at a pivot point or fulcrum point. A set of displacement control units is configured and disposed for controlling the displacement of the fulcrum element relative to the lever element. A displacement of the fulcrum element relative to the lever element varies a position of the fulcrum point. The force required for actuating the electromechanical actuator is at least partially dependent upon the position of the fulcrum point. By displacing the fulcrum element relative to the lever element, and hence varying the position of the fulcrum point, a user can vary the force required for actuating the electromechanical actuator.