Magnetically Sensed User Interface Device With Floating Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface devices lack compactness, durability, and high resolution, and are inadequate in sensing displacement motions and deformations in multiple axes, which limits their ergonomic design and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically sensed user interface device featuring a floating actuator assembly with multiple magnets and multi-axis magnetic sensors, coupled with a flexible coupling assembly and dampening elements, to accurately detect user-induced displacements and deformations, providing improved output signals and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional user interface devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and multi-axis sensing capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnets are embedded in the actuator assembly, and multi-axis magnetic sensors detect magnetic field changes to determine displacement and deformation in multiple directions without mechanical contact, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing system provides universal sensing capability across multiple axes (X, Y, Z directions) using a unified magnetic field detection approach. The same magnet-sensor configuration can detect various types of motions including linear displacement, rotational displacement, and deformation, eliminating the need for separate sensing mechanisms for each axis
2Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but durability and sensing accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds magnets within the actuator assembly structure, nesting the magnetic elements inside the actuator housing. This nested configuration maximizes the use of internal space, achieving compact device volume while maintaining the integrity and durability of the sensing components through proper structural integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible coupling assembly as an intermediary element between the actuator and base assemblies. This coupling assembly includes dampening elements that protect the magnetic sensors from mechanical shocks and vibrations, thereby enhancing device durability and reliability in a compact configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-axis sensing is added, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field sensing to replace complex mechanical multi-axis sensing mechanisms. By embedding magnets in the actuator and using multi-axis magnetic sensors in the base, the system can detect displacement and deformation in multiple directions through magnetic field changes, achieving versatile multi-axis sensing with simpler electronic components rather than complex mechanical linkages
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 enhances user interface devices by enabling precise sensing of displacements and deformations in multiple axes, improving ergonomics and ease of use, while providing reliable and accurate output signals and tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a base assembly including a plurality of multi-axis magnetic sensors configured to sense magnetic fields generated by the plurality of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface device including a floating actuator sub-assembly and a base assembly flexibly coupled to the floating actuator assembly is disclosed. The floating actuator assembly may include a magnet array assembly with a plurality of magnets fixed relative to each other.