Roller Control with Magnetic Field Sensing for Displacement Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user-actuated controls, such as finger controls and joysticks, lack efficient mechanisms to accurately measure rotational and linear displacements while providing tactile feedback and resistance to return to neutral positions, leading to inconsistent user input and control precision.
Innovation Solution
A user-actuated control system comprising a base, a roller, a magnet, a sensor, and a spring assembly, where the roller is movably connected to allow rotational and linear displacement, with a sensor measuring the magnetic field to provide displacement signals and a spring assembly exerting torque and force to return the roller to neutral positions, and a shield restricting linear displacement at specific angles for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roller control is used for user input, then rotational and linear displacement can be achieved, but accurate measurement of these displacements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical displacement measurement mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the roller and a sensor on the base detects the magnet's position and orientation through magnetic field measurements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or potentiometers while achieving accurate displacement measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the roller's mechanical displacement and the sensor's measurement. The magnet attached to the roller creates a magnetic field that the sensor detects, allowing indirect but accurate measurement of both rotational and linear displacement without direct mechanical contact or complex linkages.
2Manufacturing precision
If no return mechanism is provided, then the control structure is simpler, but the control precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the magnet's position and orientation, providing real-time displacement data. This feedback enables the system to accurately track and return to neutral positions, ensuring control precision without requiring complex mechanical spring assemblies or counterbalancing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical return mechanisms (such as springs or counterweights) with a magnetic sensing and feedback system. The sensor detects the roller's position through the magnetic field, and the system can determine when the neutral position is reached, eliminating the need for physical return mechanisms while maintaining control precision.
3Reliability
If tactile feedback and resistance are not provided, then the device is simpler, but user input consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic sensor to provide feedback about the roller's position and movement. This feedback can be used to detect user input patterns, confirm when neutral positions are reached, and ensure consistent interpretation of user actions, improving reliability without requiring additional tactile feedback 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
The system enables precise measurement and feedback of rotational and linear displacements, ensuring accurate user input and consistent return to neutral positions, enhancing control precision and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet may be connected to the roller and positioned to rotate with rotational displacement of the roller. The magnet may be positioned to linearly displace with linear displacement of the roller. The sensor may be connected to the base and configured to measure both the orientation and intensity of a magnetic field produced by the magnet
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be a Hall Effect sensor
Implementation Method 3
The spring assembly may be connected to the roller and the base and configured to exert a torque on the roller in the direction of the neutral angle when the roller is rotationally displaced from the neutral angle. The spring assembly may also be configured to exert a force on the roller in the direction of the neutral position when the roller is linearly displaced from the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A user actuated control which may include a base, roller, magnet, sensor and spring assembly. The roller may be movably connected to the base so as to allow rotational displacement between a neutral angle and a maximum angle and linear displacement between a neutral position and a depressed position. The magnet may be connected to the roller and the sensor may be connected to the base. The sensor may be configured to measure both the orientation and intensity of a magnetic field produced by the magnet and passing through the sensor. The spring assembly may be connected to the roller and the base and configured to exert a torque on the roller tending to return it to the neutral angle and the neutral position.