Magnetic Vehicle Control Knob for Wear-Free Input and Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating arrangements in vehicles and other applications face challenges in providing a comfortable, error-free, and durable interface for operators, especially when gloved or contaminated, with reliable functionality and easy cleaning, as they often rely on mechanical contact that can lead to wear and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic interaction-based operating arrangement with a base unit and a supported operating unit, where the carrier function is achieved through magnetic interaction, allowing for rotational, axial, and tilting movements without physical contact, using permanent magnets and magnetic field sensors for feedback and positioning, and a positive-locking movement-limiting arrangement for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical contact support (rolling element bearings, sliding bearings) is used to link base unit and operating unit, then physical support and positioning is achieved, but wear effects occur leading to changes in interaction and reduced reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact support system (rolling element bearings, sliding bearings) with a magnetic interaction arrangement. The carrier arrangement comprises a magnetic interaction arrangement with a first magnetic interaction area on the base unit and a second magnetic interaction area on the operating unit, enabling support without physical contact and eliminating wear effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the base unit and operating unit. The magnetic interaction arrangement acts as a mediator that provides support and positioning functions without requiring direct mechanical contact between the units.
2Reliability
If mechanical contact arrangement is used, then support function is provided, but contamination accumulates and functionality changes over extended service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact support system with a magnetic interaction arrangement, eliminating the physical contact surfaces where contamination would accumulate. The magnetic field interacts without requiring direct contact between the base unit and operating unit.
3Reliability
If magnetic interaction arrangement is used to support operating unit, then wear and contamination are eliminated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic interaction arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the carrier support function, enables relative movement between units, and eliminates wear and contamination issues. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If operating units are mechanically connected, then stable positioning is achieved, but cleaning requires disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system with a magnetic interaction arrangement that allows the operating units to be separated by overcoming the magnetic force. This enables cleaning without complex disassembly procedures while maintaining stable positioning during operation.
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
This solution ensures reliable and durable operation with reduced wear and contamination risks, enabling sensitive manipulation even with gloved hands, easy cleaning, and varied input methods, while maintaining consistent performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic field interaction area of the first magnetic field interaction area and second magnetic field interaction area, preferably the second magnetic field interaction area, comprises a magnetic field generation arrangement
Implementation Method 2
the at least one magnetic field interaction area of the first magnetic field interaction area and the second magnetic field interaction area comprises a plurality of permanent magnets arranged circumferentially around the axis of movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An operating arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, comprises a base unit (12) and a mounted operating unit (20) movable on the base unit (12) by means of a carrier arrangement (38) for inputting operating commands, wherein the carrier arrangement (38) comprises a magnetic interaction arrangement (39) with a first magnetic interaction area (40) on the base unit (12) and a second magnetic interaction area (42) on the operating unit (20).