Pivoting Actuator with Magnetic Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices with electronic switches lack clear haptic feedback, especially in environments with extreme temperature variations, requiring complex and space-consuming designs to provide perceivable haptic feedback to operators.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally mounted actuating element with bidirectional magnetic feedback using electromagnetic actuators and pole shoe plates, where the magnetic flux is enhanced by flat coils on a printed circuit board, allowing for a compact, space-saving, and easily detectable haptic feedback mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electromagnetic actuators with pole shoe plates are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic feedback function with the existing operating element structure by integrating electromagnetic actuators directly into the operating element assembly. The pole shoe plates are positioned to interact with magnets on the operating element, creating haptic feedback without requiring separate feedback mechanisms. This merging approach provides clear haptic feedback while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate feedback systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pole shoe plates as intermediary components between the electromagnetic actuators and the operating element. These pole shoe plates focus and direct the magnetic flux to create precise haptic feedback at the operating element while isolating the complexity of the electromagnetic actuation mechanism from the user interface.
2Reliability
If complex drive systems are used to provide haptic feedback in extreme temperatures, then haptic feedback reliability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical drive systems with electromagnetic actuators that use magnetic fields to provide haptic feedback. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, gears, and motors that would be required in extreme temperature environments, significantly reducing installation space while maintaining reliability through the inherent robustness of electromagnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electromagnetic actuators and pole shoe plates with parameters optimized for extreme temperature operation. The magnetic circuit geometry and material selection are configured to maintain consistent haptic feedback characteristics across wide temperature ranges, allowing reliable operation without complex temperature compensation mechanisms that would increase space requirements.
3Device complexity
If touch-sensitive operating surfaces are used without haptic feedback, then device simplicity is improved, but operator perception capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional feedback by equipping the operating element with both touch-sensitive detection capabilities and electromagnetic actuator-driven haptic feedback. When the operator touches or rotates the operating element, the system detects the input and provides immediate haptic feedback through the electromagnetic actuators, creating a closed-loop interaction that enhances operator perception while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for detection (touch-sensitive surface), as the feedback mechanism (through integrated electromagnetic actuators), and as the switching actuator. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive operator perception and control while avoiding the need for separate feedback devices that would increase 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
The solution provides a simple, compact, and cost-effective design that offers clear haptic feedback to operators, maintaining functionality across extreme temperatures without the need for complex drive systems, ensuring the operating device remains functional in both arctic cold and summer heat.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating signal can be used to control a second electromagnetic actuator that generates a second magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
by means of which the rotationally mounted, magnetically controllable element can be moved from the initial position into a second pivoting position
Implementation Method 3
a free end of the first pole shoe plate can have a flux-conducting element leading close to a free end of the second pole shoe plate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for an electrical apparatus, having an actuating element which has haptic feedback and a touch-sensitive operating surface (3, 17), wherein the actuating element can be actuated by an operator by means of an input element and an actuating signal can be triggered, and wherein the actuating element is mounted such that said element can be pivoted about a pivot axis (2) between a rest position and a switching position. The actuating signal can be used to drive an electromagnetic actuator to produce a magnetic field which can be used to move a rotationally mounted, magnetically influenceable element from a starting position into a pivoting position, wherein, as a result of the movement of the magnetically influenceable element, a torque on the actuating element, which moves the actuating element from the rest position into the switching position, can act directly or indirectly on the actuating element.