Magnetic Indexing Control Device Asymmetrical Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indexing control devices for motor vehicle dashboards lack asymmetrical tactile feedback, making it difficult to differentiate between directional movements and limiting ergonomic and comfort enhancements.
Innovation Solution
The indexing control device employs a combination of magnetic and mechanical sub-indexing systems with out-of-phase resistances to create an asymmetrical tactile experience, using ferromagnetic teeth and permanent magnets to generate distinct torques for rotational movements, allowing for differential feedback based on direction and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic indexing means with cylindrical inner and outer crowns are used, then indexing function is achieved, but radial size becomes very large limiting installation possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing means is divided into two independent sub-indexing devices: a first sub-indexing device with a first crown and first permanent magnet, and a second sub-indexing device with a second crown and second permanent magnet. Each sub-device can be independently sized and positioned, allowing the overall structure to be more compact while maintaining the indexing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The two sub-indexing devices are arranged out-of-phase with each other, utilizing angular positioning in the rotational dimension to create asymmetric tactile feedback. This dimensional arrangement allows the devices to work together in a compact radial space while achieving the desired indexing effect.
2Reliability
If symmetric magnetic indexing is used, then indexing is achieved, but tactile effect is identical regardless of position making asymmetrical indexing impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly introduces asymmetry by arranging the two sub-indexing devices out-of-phase with each other. The first and second permanent magnets are positioned at different angular locations, and the crowns have different numbers of teeth or different tooth configurations. This asymmetric arrangement creates different tactile effects depending on the direction and position of rotation, enabling asymmetrical indexing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the indexing mechanism have different properties: the first sub-indexing device provides a certain tactile characteristic while the second sub-indexing device provides a different tactile characteristic. By combining these localized different qualities out-of-phase, the system achieves position-dependent and direction-dependent tactile feedback.
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 enables an asymmetrical indexing function, providing distinct tactile feedback for each direction of movement, enhancing ergonomic and comfort features by varying the resistance felt by the user, thus improving the overall operating quality of control devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sub-indexing device provides resistance to movement by magnetic forces to form a magnetic indexing device
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of ferromagnetic teeth cooperating with a first permanent magnet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (10) has an indexing unit defining a set of indexed positions of a manual control button (1). The indexing unit comprises a main indexing sub-device (11) producing displacement resistance and an adjustment indexing sub-device (12) producing the resistance to the displacement of adjustment. The indexing sub-devices are arranged such that resistances to main and adjustment displacements are added, and out of phase between each other so as to perceive the displacement resistance perceived by a user of the control device in a dissymmetrical manner on both sides of indexing points.