Resilient Actuating Element Haptics via Segmented Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle operating devices with translational actuating elements face challenges in providing effective haptic feedback due to the need for actuators to apply forces at multiple points, which complicates resilient mounting and user interaction, often resulting in sluggish actuation requiring large forces.
Innovation Solution
A spring element is mounted immovably at two bearing points within a housing, allowing for a central point of force application and measurement, with an intermediate region enabling simultaneous influence of both ends for haptic feedback and force detection, using a piezo actuator or electric coil for unidirectional tensile force generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is mounted on four vibration loudspeakers to provide haptic feedback at multiple contact points, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but the resilient mounting of the actuating element is limited and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is segmented into two distinct bearing points with an intermediate region between them. This segmentation allows the actuating element to be supported at two locations while providing a central intermediate region for force application, simplifying the mounting structure compared to four-point mounting while maintaining haptic feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate region of the spring element acts as an intermediary between the two bearing points. This intermediate region serves as the optimal location for applying actuator forces for haptic feedback and for detecting user actuating forces, eliminating the need for complex four-point mounting while preserving haptic functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator device is fastened directly to the actuating element to generate vibration signals, then haptic feedback is provided, but the actuating element becomes sluggish and requires large actuating forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves as a mechanical intermediary between the actuator device and the actuating element. By mounting the actuator on the intermediate region of the spring rather than directly on the actuating element, the system reduces mass inertia effects and allows for more efficient force transmission, reducing the actuating force required while maintaining haptic feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the mass distribution by separating the actuator mounting location from the actuating element itself. The actuator is mounted on the spring element's intermediate region, which has different inertial properties than the actuating element, thereby reducing the overall mass inertia that the user must overcome during actuation.
3Ease of operation
If the spring element is mounted at two bearing points with an intermediate region, then a central point of force application is provided for haptic feedback and force detection, but the spring element deformation must be correlated between bearing points
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element exhibits different local qualities along its length: the bearing points provide fixed support with rotational freedom, while the intermediate region provides the optimal location for force application and detection. This local differentiation of functional properties allows the single spring element to simultaneously provide mounting support and haptic interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides resilient mounting at two bearing points, enables force application for haptic feedback at the intermediate region, and enables detection of user actuating forces at the same intermediate region. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and force detection mechanisms.
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
This configuration simplifies the provision of haptic feedback and force measurement, allowing for efficient actuation with reduced mass inertia and improved user interaction, while preventing natural oscillations through controlled counter-impulses.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (17), by which the actuating element (9) is resiliently mounted and by which the actuating element (9) is subjected to a restoring force in the direction of the rest position during said translational deflection from the rest position
Implementation Method 2
using a piezo actuator or electric coil for unidirectional tensile force generation
Implementation Method 3
using a piezo actuator or electric coil for unidirectional tensile force generation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: a housing (10) for fastening the operating device (2) in the motor vehicle (1), an actuating element (9), which is mounted for translatory deflection from a resting position (14) with respect to the housing (10) by the application of an actuating force (12), and a spring element (17), by means of which the actuating element (9) is resiliently mounted and a restoring force (16) is applied to the actuating element in the direction of a resting position (14) in the event of the translatory deflection. According to the invention, the spring element (17) is designed as a plate or a strip and is supported by at least two supporting elements (18) so as to be immovable with respect to the housing (10) at respective support points (22), wherein an intermediate region (20) is defined between the support points (22) and the actuating element (9) lies against the spring element (17) at two opposite ends (21) of the spring element (17) outside of the intermediate region (20).