MR Fluid Rotary Load for Variable Haptic Torque Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical jog dials provide only a single type of monotonous haptic feedback and are limited in changing rotational torque, leading to increased production costs and apparatus size due to the need for additional components like motors for haptic feedback.

Innovation Solution

A magnetorheological rotating load apparatus using a magnetorheological fluid with a housing, yoke, shaft, rotating rings, and a coil, where the magnetic field applied by the coil controls the rotational torque, allowing for various haptic feedback patterns and reducing production costs and size by leveraging the fluid's shear characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical gear engagement is used for jog dial operation, then rotational torque can be provided, but only a single type of monotonous haptic feedback can be generated and the structure becomes complex with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback typesVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear engagement system with a magnetorheological fluid-based system. The MR fluid's shear characteristics allow for variable rotational torque and multiple haptic feedback patterns without mechanical gears, thereby reducing structural complexity while improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the MR fluid by applying magnetic fields of different strengths and patterns. This allows the same fluid to provide multiple types of haptic feedback (e.g., strong torque, weak torque, vibration) without requiring multiple mechanical components, thus improving versatility while maintaining simple structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components like motors are added to control rotational torque or provide haptic function, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but production cost and apparatus size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback controlVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetorheological fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational torque control, generates various haptic feedback patterns, and replaces the need for separate motors and vibration devices. This multi-functionality reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers production costs while maintaining advanced haptic control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The MR fluid inherently provides both torque control and haptic feedback functions through its magnetic field-responsive properties, eliminating the need for additional dedicated components. The fluid's shear characteristics and viscosity changes under magnetic fields enable it to self-regulate torque and generate haptic effects without external mechanical actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional components like motors are added to control rotational torque or provide haptic function, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback controlVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of torque control and haptic feedback generation into a single integrated system using magnetorheological fluid. The MR fluid, positioned between the stator and rotor, simultaneously provides rotational resistance and haptic effects through magnetic field modulation, eliminating the need for separate motors and vibration mechanisms, thereby reducing overall apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables the generation of diverse haptic feedback patterns, reduces production costs and apparatus size, and allows for various applications by controlling rotational torque through the magnetic field, providing luxurious haptic experiences.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetorheological fluid filled in at least a portion of the housing... capable of changing rotational torque by applying a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentUS20240419203A1Rotating load device using magneto-rheological fluid and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 CK MATERIALS LAB

AI summary

Provided is a magnetorheological rotating load apparatus and a control method therefor, the magnetorheological rotating load apparatus including a housing, a yoke fixed in the housing, a shaft mounted to rotate in the housing, at least one rotating ring connected to the shaft to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft, a coil disposed in the housing, and a magnetorheological fluid filled in at least a portion of the housing, wherein at least a portion of the shaft positioned inside the housing is made of a non-magnetic material.