Magnetic Viscous Fluid Operation Device with Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation devices using magnetic viscous fluid for force feedback often experience misalignment between the intended and displayed operation positions, leading to uncomfortable user experiences, especially in devices with display sections.
Innovation Solution
An operation device with a magnetic viscous fluid mechanism that includes a movable shaft, a magnetic generating mechanism with a coil and yokes, and a controller to align magnetic particles along a magnetic flux, applying load to the operation body and synchronizing the displayed position with the intended operation position, while also incorporating a sound generating mechanism for enhanced feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor is used to impart force feedback to the operation member, then the operation feeling is preferable, but the device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system. A magnetic generating mechanism (electromagnet) generates a magnetic field that acts on magnetic viscous fluid in a magnetic viscous fluid chamber, producing resistive force feedback without requiring a motor. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission components while achieving the desired force feedback effect, thereby enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the magnetic viscous fluid through magnetic field application. By controlling the magnetic field strength, the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid changes dynamically, providing variable resistance force feedback. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve multiple force feedback states without requiring multiple mechanical components, contributing to device miniaturization.
2Volume of moving object
If magnetic viscous fluid is used for force feedback, then the device can be miniaturized, but misalignment between intended and displayed operation positions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a detection mechanism detects the actual position of the operation member, and a control mechanism adjusts the magnetic field generation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the displayed position on the display section accurately reflects the intended operation position, correcting for any misalignment caused by the magnetic viscous fluid mechanism. The feedback system compensates for position errors while maintaining the miniaturized structure.
3Reliability
If force feedback is applied to the operation member, then operation safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The magnetic generating mechanism serves both as a position actuator and as a force feedback generator. The magnetic viscous fluid chamber integrates the force feedback generation function without requiring separate mechanical feedback components. This merging of functions reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the force feedback capability that improves operation safety.
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 device effectively aligns the operation and display positions, providing a preferable operational feel to the user and reducing the need for motors, enabling miniaturization and lower power consumption, with the added benefit of electronic sound feedback for improved user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic viscous fluid 75 which exists in at least a part of the gap 5g and whose viscosity changes according to a strength of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic generating mechanism FM5 including a coil 35 that generates a magnetic field by energization by the operation controlling part FS
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An operation device 100 includes an operation unit U1 including an operation body 11 worked by an operator's manipulation; a position detecting part M2 detecting a position of the operation body 11; and a display unit U4 displaying a position of the operation body 11. The display unit U4 includes an operation member 1, a supporting body 3, and a movable load applying mechanism F5 including a movable member, a magnetic generating mechanism FM5, a magnetorheological fluid, and an operation controlling part FS. The display unit U4 includes a display part 14 displaying the operation position. A display controlling part PS controls a display. A controller C8 is included to control the controlling parts FS and PS. In a control method of the operation device 100, the controller C8 controls to display a state of the operation position of the operation body 11 on the display part 14.