Magnetorheological Rotary Load Control for Variable Haptic Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical jog dials provide only a single tactile sensation and fixed rotation torque, limiting their versatility and increasing production costs and device size due to the need for additional components for haptic functions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetorheological fluid rotational load device with a housing, yoke, shaft, rotation rings, coil, and magnetorheological fluid, where the magnetic field controls the rotation torque by forming chains of magnetic particles, allowing for adjustable torque and various tactile sensations based on input signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical jog dial with gear meshing is used, then a fixed rotation torque is provided, but various rotational tactile sensations cannot be expressed and the device volume increases when additional components are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic actuator and the jog dial into a single integrated structure where the magnetorheological fluid serves both as the torque control medium and the tactile sensation generator. The coil, yoke, and magnetorheological fluid are integrated within the housing that also contains the dial mechanism, eliminating the need for separate haptic components and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetorheological fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a torque control medium, a haptic feedback generator, and a damping element. The coil system not only controls the magnetorheological fluid but also serves as part of the structural assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing device volume while providing various rotational tactile sensations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components such as a motor or vibration motor are added to control rotation torque or provide haptic function, then rotation torque control capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque control mechanisms (such as motors or vibration motors) with a magnetorheological fluid-based system. The coil generates a magnetic field that alters the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid, providing torque control and haptic feedback without requiring additional mechanical components. This substitution eliminates the need for separate motors or vibration motors, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining rotation torque control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the magnetorheological fluid (viscosity, yield stress) by applying a magnetic field from the coil. By varying the current through the coil, the magnetic field strength changes, which directly alters the rheological properties of the fluid. This parameter change approach provides continuous torque control capability without requiring multiple discrete components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical jog dial with gear meshing is used, then a single rotational tactile sensation is provided, but various rotational tactile sensations and modes of use cannot be expressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the ability to dynamically change the rheological parameters of the magnetorheological fluid through magnetic field control. By adjusting the current through the coil, different magnetic field strengths are generated, which continuously vary the viscosity and yield stress of the fluid. This enables the system to provide multiple distinct rotational tactile sensations (e.g., soft, medium, hard resistance) and different modes of use without adding mechanical complexity or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the torque characteristics through the magnetorheological fluid system. Unlike fixed mechanical gear meshing, the magnetic field can be dynamically adjusted in real-time to change the fluid's resistance to rotation. This dynamic capability allows the single device to express various rotational tactile sensations and adapt to different usage modes, achieving high versatility without increasing device complexity.
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 the generation of various tactile patterns and delicate sensations, reduces production costs, and minimizes device size by utilizing the shear properties of the magnetorheological fluid to change rotation torque dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological fluid rotational load device including a magnetorheological fluid and being capable of adjusting a rotation torque by applying a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid
Implementation Method 2
a coil disposed in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a magnetorheological fluid rotational load device and a method of controlling the same. The magnetorheological fluid rotational load device includes a housing, a yoke fixed in the housing, a shaft rotatably mounted at the center in the housing, one or more rotation rings connected to the shaft to rotate in association with rotation of the shaft, a coil disposed in the housing, a magnetorheological fluid filling the housing.