Magnetorheological Rotary Control Interface for Variable Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary control interfaces for motor vehicles with haptic feedback are cumbersome and require numerous connections to control multiple functions, limiting their suitability and ease of use due to a fixed number of control elements and haptic feedback patterns.
Innovation Solution
A magnetorheological fluid module with a rotary element and a unit for modifying the magnetic field, integrated into a compact control interface, allowing for variable haptic feedback and reconfiguration to control multiple vehicle functions with a single interface module, combined with sensors for validation and navigation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control interface uses a fixed number of control elements equal to the number of hard points, then haptic feedback can be provided for those functions, but the interface can only control a limited number of functions and requires numerous connections to control multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetorheological fluid module enables dynamic reconfiguration of haptic feedback patterns by varying the magnetic field strength according to the rotation of the rotary element. This allows a single control interface to adapt its haptic characteristics to control multiple different functions, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that can accommodate varying control requirements without adding physical control elements
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is designed with a magnetorheological fluid module that can be reconfigured to provide different haptic feedback patterns for different functions. This universal design allows one interface module to control several vehicle functions by changing the magnetic field characteristics, making the control element multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated controls for each function
2Ease of operation
If the control interface is made compact with reduced connections, then ease of operation and installation is improved, but the ability to provide reconfigurable haptic feedback for multiple functions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control elements with a magnetorheological fluid module that uses magnetic field variations to control haptic feedback. This substitution of mechanical systems with magnetic-field-based control enables reconfigurable functionality in a compact form factor, as magnetic fields can be easily modulated without requiring additional mechanical components or complex wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface achieves reconfigurable haptic feedback by changing the parameters of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid. By varying the magnetic field strength according to rotary element position, the system can provide different haptic patterns for different functions without changing the physical structure or adding connections, maintaining compactness while enhancing adaptability
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
Enables a compact, easy-to-power rotary control interface with reconfigurable haptic feedback, capable of controlling several vehicle functions with reduced complexity and connections, enhancing user interaction by providing variable resistance forces and validation signals.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological fluid module, said module comprising: an element which rotates about an axis of the module, said rotary element being in contact with the magnetorheological fluid
Implementation Method 2
a unit for applying a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid configured so as to modify the strength of said magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control interface (1) with haptic feedback, in particular for a motor vehicle, intended to take account of an action of a user by providing him with haptic feedback, comprising a magneto-rheological fluid module (5), the said module (5) comprising: a rotary element (7) rotating about an axis (Z) of the module (5), said rotary element (7) being in contact with the magneto-rheological fluid and intended to be coupled with a gripping element (3), and a unit (9) for applying a magnetic field to the magneto-rheological fluid and configured so as to modify the intensity of said magnetic field.