Programmable Motor Encoder With Virtual Stops and Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional encoders lack adjustability, provide limited feedback, have low control accuracy, occupy excessive space, require many moving parts leading to wear, and are not customizable.

Innovation Solution

A motor encoder with programmable and tactile feedback, featuring a rotary knob, motor, position sensor, controller, and input interface, which allows for virtual stopping, termination, and elastic loading, along with customizable tactile feedback and resistance, and closed-loop torque feedback control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional encoder with fixed stopping mode is used, then device structure is simple, but adaptability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder transitions from fixed mechanical stopping positions to dynamic virtual stopping positions controlled by software. The motor can be programmed to stop at any position based on operational needs, making the system adaptable without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder uses programmable parameters to define stopping positions, termination positions, and elastic loading characteristics. By changing software parameters rather than mechanical structures, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional encoder with limited feedback is used, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser feedbackVSAvoidfeedback system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including position feedback from the position sensor and tactile feedback from the motor. This provides users with real-time information about encoder state and operational status, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback system serves multiple functions: position indication, operational status display, and tactile confirmation. This multi-functionality enhances user interaction without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional encoder with mechanical stopping is used, then manufacturing is simple, but reliability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder replaces mechanical stopping mechanisms with an electromagnetic motor system controlled by software. This eliminates wear from mechanical contacts and physical stops, significantly improving reliability and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor automatically returns the knob to the initial position and provides tactile feedback without user intervention. This self-correcting mechanism ensures consistent operation and reduces the need for manual adjustment or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional encoder with fixed function is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but adaptability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder uses programmable parameters that can be dynamically adjusted to suit different applications. The same hardware platform can be customized for various functions by changing software configurations, achieving high adaptability without requiring multiple product variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances user feedback, improves control precision, reduces space requirements, minimizes moving parts for durability, and offers customizable user experiences for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

turning the knob to cause a magnetic field induced by a position sensor to change

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a motor for providing virtual stopping, virtual termination and virtual elastic loading when the knob is turned, and generating a tactile feedback and resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4707748A1Motor encoder with programmability and haptic feedback and operation method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 DEFOND ELECTECH CO LTD
  • EP4707748A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707748A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4707748A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a motor encoder with a programmable and tactile feedback and an operation method thereof. The encoder includes: a rotary knob; a motor for providing virtual stopping, virtual termination and virtual elastic loading when the knob is turned, and generating a tactile feedback and resistance in different events; a position sensor for providing position information when the knob is started and in a movement process; a controller with a motor driver, wherein the controller is electrically connected with the motor and the position sensor respectively and used for obtaining a position feedback from the position sensor and driving the motor to form closed-loop torque feedback control; and an input interface electrically connected with the controller and used for inputting instruction information to the controller.