Mesostructured Reset Unit for Adaptive Force and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reset units for control elements in construction machines and commercial vehicles are resource-intensive, lack adaptability, and require costly and time-consuming maintenance, as they are either non-adaptive elastic elements or resource-intensive electrical systems with complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A reset unit utilizing an ordered mesostructure with embedded signal and reaction units, allowing for reversible compression and expansion, and adjustable force lines through deformation of elementary cells, which can be manufactured using 3D printing and configured for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If elastic elements (springs or elastomers) are used as reset units, then resource efficiency is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the force curve cannot be changed after installation without replacing the entire element
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is divided into multiple independent elementary cells arranged in a mesostructure. Each cell can be independently configured with different material properties, shapes, and orientations, allowing the overall force characteristics to be adjusted by reconfiguring individual cells rather than replacing the entire element.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesostructure allows dynamic reconfiguration of the elementary cells after installation. The cells can be repositioned, reoriented, or replaced individually to change the force curve characteristics, enabling the reset unit to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining resource efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical elements (actuators) are used as reset units, then adaptability is improved because the force curve can be changed after installation, but resource consumption and device complexity worsen due to space and material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical actuators with a purely mechanical mesostructure composed of elastic elementary cells. This mechanical system achieves adaptability through physical reconfiguration of the cells rather than requiring electrical control systems, thereby improving resource efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesostructure serves multiple functions: it provides the reset force through elastic deformation of elementary cells, enables adaptability through reconfigurable cell arrangements, and eliminates the need for separate electrical actuation systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity and resource consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular configuration of reset units is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption worsen due to the need for multiple different materials and components
Solution Approach 1:
The reset unit is segmented into standardized elementary cells that can be arranged in different mesostructural patterns. This segmentation allows adaptability through configuration changes rather than requiring entirely different modular components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesostructure utilizes composite arrangements of elementary cells with different material properties, shapes, and orientations within a unified structural framework. This approach achieves adaptability through the composite configuration rather than requiring multiple separate modular units, reducing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive elastic materials are used (whose properties change with current or magnetic field), then adaptability is improved, but resource consumption and device complexity worsen due to requiring multiple different materials and intensive maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adaptive elastic materials that require electrical or magnetic fields with a purely mechanical mesostructure. The adaptability is achieved through physical reconfiguration of the elementary cells rather than requiring active materials and control systems, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elementary cells in the mesostructure are designed to be self-contained units that provide their elastic function without requiring external power sources or control systems. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex adaptive materials and their associated maintenance while maintaining adaptability through reconfigurability.
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 mesostructure-based reset unit is resource-efficient, adaptable, and low-maintenance, enabling precise adjustment of force lines and haptic feedback, while maintaining operational reliability even with partial failure of components.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one elementary cell can be reversibly compressed and expanded through exposure to force... a reset force of the reset unit can be at least partially generated by deforming the mesostructure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reset unit for resetting rotational and/or translational deflection movements of a setting element, which has an ordered mesostructure of elementary cells consisting of an ordered arrangement of at least one elementary cell, wherein the at least one elementary cell can be reversibly compressed and expanded through exposure to force, wherein the reset unit further has at least one signal generator and/or at least one reaction unit, wherein the reset unit further has at least one evaluation unit, which evaluates a signal emitted by the signal generator and/or electrically and/or magnetically actuates the reaction unit, wherein the signal generator and/or reaction unit are embedded in the at least one mesostructure, wherein a reset force of the reset unit can be at least partially generated by deforming the mesostructure.