Operating Unit Load Control for Consistent Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing operating apparatuses, as disclosed in PTL 1, face a challenge in providing a suitable tactile feel if the operating member does not achieve a sufficient moving speed when reaching a predetermined push position.

Innovation Solution

The operating apparatus includes an operating unit, a load application unit, and an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit dynamically adjusts the load characteristics based on the moving speed of the operating unit after it reaches a predetermined position, ensuring sufficient load variation for effective tactile feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operating member moves slowly to reach the predetermined push position, then the operator can maintain better control and precision, but the tactile feel cannot be provided because sufficient moving speed is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidmoving speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the load characteristics adjustable and variable during operation. The control unit dynamically changes the load applied to the operating member based on detected moving speed, transitioning from a static load system to a dynamic one that adapts to real-time operational conditions to ensure tactile feedback is provided regardless of initial speed variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the load characteristics (a key parameter) based on the detected moving speed of the operating member. When the moving speed is below a threshold, the control unit adjusts the load parameter to create a sharper decrease in load, thereby generating tactile feedback even when the operating member moves slowly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the load characteristics are fixed according to predetermined values, then the device structure remains simple, but the tactile feel cannot be adapted when the moving speed is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol structureVSAvoidtactile feedback adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the moving speed of the operating member and using this information to adjust the load characteristics. The control unit continuously monitors the speed parameter and modifies the load accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts tactile feedback to actual operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static load characteristics into dynamic ones by enabling real-time adjustment based on operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt its behavior (tactile feedback) according to the actual moving speed, enhancing versatility without requiring completely different hardware configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4535121A1Operation apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4535121A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4535121A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4535121A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operating apparatus includes an operating unit capable of a movement operation, a load application unit configured to apply a load to the movement operation of the operating unit based on predetermined load characteristics, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust the load characteristics based on a moving speed of the operating unit after the operating unit reaches a predetermined position.