MR Rotary Load Structure for Variable Tactility and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical jog dials provide limited tactility patterns and fixed rotational torque, leading to increased production costs and device size due to the need for additional components for torque control and haptic functions.
Innovation Solution
A magneto-rheological rotating load device utilizing a magneto-rheological fluid with a magnetic field control system to generate various tactility patterns, reduce production costs, and miniaturize the device by leveraging the fluid's shear properties and viscosity, while preventing fluid leakage and measuring rotary ring separation from a shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical jog dial uses gear engagement for rotation control, then it provides a single tactility pattern, but it cannot implement various tactilities suitable for different rotations or usage modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear engagement system with a magneto-rheological fluid-based system. The MR fluid's viscosity and shear properties can be dynamically controlled by applying magnetic fields, enabling multiple tactility patterns without mechanical gears. This substitution allows the same physical structure to provide variable tactility through magnetic field control rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the MR fluid (viscosity, shear stress) by applying different magnetic field strengths and patterns. By varying the magnetic field parameters, the system can generate different tactility patterns during rotation, allowing a single mechanical structure to provide multiple tactile experiences without physical modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotational torque is predetermined based on gear engagement, then the structure is simple, but there is a limitation in freely changing the rotational torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear-based torque transmission system with a magneto-rheological fluid-based torque control system. The MR fluid's shear properties allow rotational torque to be dynamically adjusted by controlling the magnetic field, eliminating the need for multiple gear sets or torque-limiting mechanisms while providing continuous torque variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magneto-rheological fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides torque control, generates tactility patterns, and enables haptic feedback. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single fluid medium that responds to magnetic field control, replacing what would traditionally require separate mechanical components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drive means such as a motor or a separate vibration motor is added to control rotational torque or provide haptic function, then the rotational torque can be controlled, but production costs and volume of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic feedback function and torque control function into the magneto-rheological fluid system itself. The MR fluid's variable viscosity and shear properties, controlled by the magnetic field, simultaneously provide both the haptic resistance during rotation and the torque control, eliminating the need for separate vibration motors or additional drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces separate mechanical haptic feedback devices (vibration motors) with a magnetic field-controlled MR fluid system. The haptic effects are generated through the fluid's shear resistance and viscosity changes under magnetic influence, rather than through mechanical vibration, resulting in a more compact and integrated design.
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 tactility patterns, reduces production costs, miniaturizes the device, and effectively controls rotational torque using the magneto-rheological fluid's properties, preventing fluid leakage and allowing for precise measurement of rotary ring separation.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-rheological fluid with which at least a part in the housing is filled
Implementation Method 2
a coil part disposed in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a magneto-rheological rotating load device and a method of controlling the same. A magneto-rheological rotating load device according to the present invention includes a housing, a yoke part disposed in the 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, a magneto-rheological fluid with which at least a part in the housing is filled, a cover part disposed at an upper end of the yoke part, and a bearing part disposed to be in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and configured to support the rotation of the shaft, in which a leak prevention means configured to prevent a leak of the magneto-rheological fluid is at least provided between the bearing part and the cover part.