Modular Haptic Interface with Interchangeable Nose Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force reflecting haptic interfaces are limited by large size and high cost, which hampers their adoption in consumer markets, and they lack interchangeability of input interfaces, making them unsuitable for broad consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A compact force reflecting haptic interface with interchangeable user connection sections, including a nose section and user connection sections like a stylus or joystick, featuring a direct drive assembly, reflective encoders, and an internal temperature monitoring system, allowing for multiple functions such as force feedback, computer mouse, and digitizer operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional force reflecting haptic interfaces are designed with complete functionality, then operational characteristics and response quality are improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic interface is divided into modular components: a base unit containing the actuator and control electronics, and detachable user connection sections (nose sections) that can be interchangeably attached. This segmentation allows the core functional elements to be concentrated in a compact base while enabling versatility through interchangeable attachments, resolving the contradiction between complete functionality and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple types of user connection sections for different applications (stylus, joystick, mouse, etc.). This multi-functionality approach allows a single compact base unit to provide complete haptic feedback functionality across multiple use cases, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall system size and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional haptic interfaces are designed with specialized components for each application, then application-specific performance is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal base unit is designed with standardized mounting interfaces and control architecture that can accommodate multiple types of user connection sections. The base unit contains the actuator, encoder, and control electronics that remain the same across applications, while only the external nose section varies. This universality provides application-specific performance without requiring different internal components for each application, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a permanent base unit and interchangeable user connection sections. The base unit contains all complex components (actuator, encoder, control circuitry) that remain constant across applications. The interchangeable nose sections are simple mechanical attachments that provide application-specific interfaces without adding complexity to the core system. This segmentation allows versatility through interchangeability while maintaining simplicity in the base design.
3Force
If haptic interfaces use traditional motor placement and weight counter-balancing measures, then force feedback capability is improved, but unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator, encoder, and control electronics are merged into a single integrated base unit. The actuator serves dual purposes: providing force feedback while also driving the user connection section. Weight counter-balancing is achieved through strategic placement of the actuator and structural design of the base unit, eliminating the need for separate counter-weight components. This merging and strategic placement provides adequate force feedback capability while maintaining a compact unit size.
4Reliability
If haptic interfaces are designed with unique components for each application, then application optimization is improved, but interchangeability and commercial appeal decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of user connection sections. Each nose section can be optimized for its specific application (stylus for precision work, joystick for gaming, mouse for general computing), yet all can be attached to the same base unit. This universality provides interchangeability and broad commercial appeal while maintaining application optimization through specialized attachments.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective haptic interface with enhanced functionality, supporting multiple user inputs and functions, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing fatigue through balanced design and temperature management, thus widening human interaction with computers beyond visual and auditory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for outputting a signal representative of a position of the user interface relative to the nose section
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function force reflecting haptic interface including various sub-assemblies is disclosed. The sub-assemblies include multiple function user interfaces, a user interface docking station for setting the interface to a home position, temperature monitoring and control systems, and various kinematic cable drive systems.