Magnetic Roller Module for Selectable Stepped Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roller modules in human-machine interface devices face issues with durability and rotational equilibrium due to the need for structural changes to enable stepped and non-stepped rotation modes, affecting their stability and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A roller module incorporating an electro-permanent magnet assembly that provides axial rotation resistance forces to the wheel disc, allowing it to operate in both stepped and non-stepped modes by switching magnetic attraction forces based on the magnet's operating status, maintaining stability and durability through a pivotally coupled design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the structure of the wheel disc is largely changed to enable selective stepped or non-stepped rotation mode, then the function of selective rotation mode is achieved, but the rotational equilibrium of the wheel disc is affected and the durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective rotation mode functionVSAvoiddurability of wheel disc
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electro-permanent magnet assembly as an intermediary component between the wheel disc and the housing. This assembly includes permanent magnets that can be selectively activated to provide magnetic attraction forces, enabling the wheel disc to switch between stepped and non-stepped rotation modes without modifying the wheel disc structure itself. The electro-permanent magnet acts as a mediator that applies controlled forces to achieve mode switching while preserving the original wheel disc design and its rotational equilibrium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the structure of the wheel disc is largely changed to enable selective stepped or non-stepped rotation mode, then the function of selective rotation mode is achieved, but the rotational equilibrium of the wheel disc is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective rotation mode functionVSAvoidrotational equilibrium
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical structure modification approach with an electromagnetic field-based solution. Instead of changing the wheel disc structure to achieve mode switching, the invention uses an electro-permanent magnet assembly that generates magnetic attraction forces to control the rotation characteristics. This substitution of mechanical modification with electromagnetic control preserves the wheel disc's structural integrity and rotational equilibrium while enabling selective stepped or non-stepped rotation modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mechanism of the roller module is further improved to enable selective stepped or non-stepped rotation mode, then the function of selective rotation mode is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective rotation mode functionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electro-permanent magnet assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure. It provides magnetic attraction forces for mode switching, maintains the wheel disc in positioned states during stepped rotation, and can be selectively activated or deactivated. The assembly includes permanent magnets that can function in different configurations, enabling both stepped and non-stepped rotation modes without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each mode, thus reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures stable and durable operation by maintaining rotational equilibrium, providing a strong stepped rotation feel in one mode and a smooth rotation feel in the other, without altering the original wheel disc structure, thus enhancing user experience and extending the module's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the electro-permanent magnet assembly provides a first magnetic attraction force to at least one first extension structure of the plural first extension structures in a direction facing the first lateral disc part, and the electro-permanent magnet assembly provides a second magnetic attraction force to at least one second extension structure of the plural second extension structures in a direction facing the second lateral disc part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the electro-permanent magnet assembly includes a first permanent magnet, a coil, a second permanent magnet, a third permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The wheel disc has magnetic conductivity and is rotatable along a rotation axis line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentUS20260051430A1Roller module
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD
  • US20260051430A1 patent drawing
  • US20260051430A1 patent drawing
  • US20260051430A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A roller module includes roller module includes a wheel disc and an electro-permanent magnet assembly. When the electro-permanent magnet assembly is operated in the first operating status, the electro-permanent magnet assembly provides a first magnetic attraction force in a first direction, and the electro-permanent magnet assembly provides a second magnetic attraction force to the wheel disc in a second direction. When the electro-permanent magnet assembly is operated in the second operating status, the electro-permanent magnet assembly provides a third magnetic attraction force to the wheel disc in the first direction, and the electro-permanent magnet assembly provides a fourth magnetic attraction force to the wheel disc in the second direction. The first magnetic attraction force is greater than the third magnetic attraction force. The second magnetic attraction force is greater than the fourth magnetic attraction force.