Magnetic Operator Control for Precise Haptic Action Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator control devices, such as rotary knobs, lack clear and precise action points, resulting in poor haptics and structural design, and are costly to produce, especially those using simple springs or 'click plates' or magnets.
Innovation Solution
An operator control device with a magnetic coupling device having multiple coupling sections that magnetically fix the actuation unit in an idle position, providing a stable and high-quality haptic experience by varying magnetic attraction and contact area, allowing precise movement between idle and actuation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple springs are used for retaining, then the structure is simple, but the haptic quality and action point precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based retaining system with a magnetic field-based retaining system. Magnets are used to create retaining forces that provide clear action points and high-quality haptics during rotation and pressing operations, eliminating the need for complex mechanical spring mechanisms while improving user feedback quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes magnetic field strength parameters to control the retaining force characteristics. By adjusting magnet positioning, size, and magnetic material properties, the system achieves optimal haptic feedback with clearly perceivable action points during rotation and pressing, while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If click plates or magnets are used to provide action points, then the haptic quality improves, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the magnetic retaining system. The same magnets that provide retaining forces also create the action points for haptic feedback, eliminating the need for separate click plates or additional magnetic components. This multi-functional approach reduces part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining high haptic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the retaining function and the haptic feedback function into a single magnetic system. The magnets serve dual purposes: providing the retaining force to hold the actuation unit in position and creating the tactile action points during operation, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing production costs.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic coupling is used to fix the actuation unit, then the haptic quality and action point precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic field-based coupling system. Magnets create the coupling forces needed to hold the actuation unit in the idle position and provide tactile feedback, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, springs, or click plates while achieving superior action point precision.
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 magnetic coupling device offers a clear and precise action point with high-quality haptics, stabilizing the actuation unit in both idle and actuation positions, enabling automatic resetting and reducing production costs through a compact and reliable structural design.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling element (17) is designed here in the manner of a disk and which can be coupled magnetically to the actuation unit (2) and the console unit (3)
Implementation Method 2
providing a stable and high-quality haptic experience by varying magnetic attraction and contact area
Data Source
AI summary
An operator control device has an actuation unit on a console unit. The actuation unit movable between an idle position and one or more actuation positions. The actuation unit is fixable in the idle position by a retaining device. In order to leave the idle position, it is necessary to overcome a retaining force provided by the retaining device. The retaining device has a coupling device with a coupling element that is magnetically couplable to the actuation unit and to the console unit in order to magnetically fix the actuation unit in at least the idle position.