Magneto-Rheological Rotating Load Evaluation for Torque Loss Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical jog dials provide limited tactility options and are costly due to the need for additional components to control rotational torque and provide haptic feedback, restricting their application and miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A magneto-rheological rotating load device that uses a magneto-rheological fluid and a controller to adjust rotational torque based on magnetic field intensity, allowing for various tactility patterns and reducing production costs by embedding haptic functions and preventing fluid leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical structures with gear engagement are used to provide rotational torque and haptic feedback, then the device can achieve basic jog dial functionality, but the device complexity increases and production costs increase due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational torque controlVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear engagement system with a magneto-rheological fluid-based system. The fluid's viscosity and resistance to rotation are controlled by applying magnetic fields through coil parts, eliminating the need for mechanical gears and separate haptic actuators. This substitution directly reduces device complexity while maintaining rotational torque control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the magneto-rheological fluid by applying varying magnetic field intensities through the coil parts. By adjusting the current to the coils, the fluid's resistance to rotation can be dynamically controlled, providing variable rotational torque and diverse haptic patterns without mechanical component changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional drive means or vibration motors are added to control rotational torque and provide haptic functions, then the functional versatility improves, but the production cost increases and device miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magneto-rheological fluid system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational torque control, haptic feedback, and damping in a single integrated component. The same fluid and coil assembly that controls rotation also generates all haptic patterns, eliminating the need for separate vibration motors and reducing production costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the drive system, haptic feedback mechanism, and damping element into a single magneto-rheological fluid system. The fluid is contained in the housing and interacts with the rotating shaft and coil parts, combining multiple mechanical functions into one unified system that is easier and cheaper to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If magneto-rheological fluid is used to provide variable rotational torque and haptic patterns, then the adaptability and tactility diversity improve, but the risk of fluid leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactility patternVSAvoidfluid leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an O-ring seal, which is a flexible elastomeric ring, to prevent magneto-rheological fluid leakage. The O-ring is installed in a groove on the shaft and compresses against the housing to create a seal, accommodating thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable fluid containment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 diverse tactility patterns, reduces production costs, and miniaturizes the device while effectively controlling rotational torque and preventing fluid leakage, allowing for versatile applications.

Implementation Method 1

a magneto-rheological rotating load device that uses a magneto-rheological fluid and may adjust rotational torque by applying a magnetic field to the magneto-rheological fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-rheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentUS12147619B2Method of evaluating magneto-rheological rotating load device

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 CK MATERIALS LAB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of evaluating a magneto-rheological rotating load device. In a method of evaluating a structural defect of a magneto-rheological rotating load device according to the present invention, the magneto-rheological rotating load device includes a housing, a shaft rotatably installed in the housing, one or more rotary rings connected to the shaft and configured to rotate in conjunction with a rotation of the shaft, a coil part disposed in the housing, and a magneto-rheological fluid with which at least a part in the housing is filled, and the method includes measuring whether a torque value, which is applied when the shaft and the rotary ring rotate, decreases from an initial set value within a predetermined range.