Magnetic Return Control Element for Automotive Haptics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control elements with movably mounted actuating members for haptic feedback face limitations in varying movement courses and are prone to wear and tear, particularly in compact and lightweight designs required for automotive applications, where reliable reproducible return to the resting position is essential.

Innovation Solution

A control element utilizing a permanent-magnet pair between the carrier and actuating member for guiding and stabilizing movement, allowing for adaptable force displacement curves and asymmetrical return behavior, combined with an actuator for haptic feedback, which minimizes wear and maximizes integration density and resistance to temperature variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electromagnetic forces are used for deflection and elastic springs for return, then haptic feedback is generated, but the course of movement can only be varied to a limited extent and mechanical wear occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariability of movement courseVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based return system with a magnetic field-based return mechanism. Permanent magnets are positioned to create a magnetic field that guides the actuating member back to its initial position, eliminating the need for elastic springs and reducing mechanical wear while allowing for programmable movement courses through electronic control of the magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the ability to vary magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, timing) to achieve different movement courses and return characteristics. By changing the excitation parameters of the electromagnetic actuator and the positioning of permanent magnets, the system can generate diverse haptic feedback patterns without mechanical wear limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of moving object

If compact design is implemented with less space and weight, then integration density increases, but reliable reproducible return to resting position becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of control elementVSAvoidreproducible return to resting position

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical return springs with lightweight permanent magnets and magnetic field control mechanisms. This substitution significantly reduces the weight of the control element while maintaining reliable and reproducible return to the resting position through precise magnetic field control, which can be programmed to ensure consistent positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical return means are used, then return to initial position is achieved, but wear and tear occurs and space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereturn to initial positionVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical return means (springs, elastomers) with a magnetic field-based return system using permanent magnets. This eliminates mechanical wear and tear while reducing the space required for return mechanisms. The magnetic field can be precisely controlled to ensure reliable and reproducible return to the initial position without requiring additional mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables a compact, lightweight control element with high integration density and low wear, capable of reliable reproducible return to the resting position, with adaptable design and reduced mechanical wear, suitable for automotive applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one permanent magnet is arranged between the carrier and the actuating member for guiding, in particular for stabilizing the movement of the actuating member and/or the return of the actuating member into the resting position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

In known control elements, deflection is usually caused by electromagnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10248252B2Control element with haptically movable touchpad or touchscreen and with magnetic return

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 PREH GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a control element, comprising a carrier, an actuating member defining a touch-sensitive input surface, whereby the actuating member is movably installed on the carrier substantially parallel to the plane formed by the touch-sensitive input surface in a movement direction; an actuator to provide a movement from a resting position in movement direction of the actuating member relative to the carrier for providing a haptic feedback, whereby furthermore at least one permanent-magnet pair is arranged between the carrier and the actuating member to guide, in particular to stabilize the movement of the actuating member and/or the return of the actuating member into the resting position.