MR Fluid Controller Feedback With Periodic Return Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional controllers with operation elements such as buttons or sticks lack enhancement in user feedback and information transmission, resulting in a suboptimal user experience during operation.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system incorporating a controller with an operation element, a restoring force mechanism, and magnetorheological fluid (MRF) resistance, where the viscosity of the MRF changes with a magnetic field intensity, allowing for controlled resistance and return forces to enhance user feedback and operation feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the viscosity of magnetorheological fluid is increased to provide greater resistance force, then user feedback is enhanced, but the operation element cannot autonomously return to initial position
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is applied periodically to the magnetorheological fluid, causing the viscosity to oscillate between high and low states. During the low viscosity state, the operation element can return autonomously to its initial position under the restoring force. During the high viscosity state, the user experiences enhanced resistance force for better feedback. This periodic modulation resolves the contradiction by providing both strong resistance and autonomous return capability at different time intervals.
2Speed
If the period of low viscosity state is extended to ensure autonomous return, then restoration speed is improved, but the period for user feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic modulation of the magnetic field with carefully controlled duty cycle and frequency. The low viscosity state is maintained for sufficient duration to allow autonomous return, while the high viscosity state provides user feedback. By adjusting the periodic parameters, the system optimizes both restoration speed and feedback duration, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 system provides a dynamic and responsive operation experience by alternating between high and low viscosity states, ensuring autonomous return to the initial position while offering varied and engaging user feedback, reducing development burden through preset viscosity settings and flexible control options.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance section using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes in accordance with an intensity of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field generation section configured to provide the magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid
Implementation Method 3
a restoring force imparting section configured to apply a restoring force for returning a position of the displaced operation element to the initial position
Data Source
AI summary
This information processing system includes: a controller including an operation element to be displaced from an initial position by user's operation, a restoring force imparting section applying a restoring force for returning the displaced operation element to the initial position, a resistance section using a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes with a magnetic-field intensity and which becomes resistance when the operation element is displaced from/to the initial position, and a magnetic field generation section which provides the magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid; and a circuit capable of controlling the magnetic field generation section. The circuit controls a magnetic-field intensity so that the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid periodically changes at least between a first viscosity state and a second viscosity state in which the viscosity is lower than in the first viscosity state so that the operation element returns to the initial position by the restoring force.