Rotary Haptic Interface With Magnetic Field Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic operating devices, particularly in vehicles and smart devices, face challenges in achieving a low base torque for intuitive operation, as existing magnetorheological brakes have high base torque due to unfavorable shearing areas, making them unsuitable for small rotary knobs and requiring additional locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A haptic interface with a magnetorheological transmission apparatus featuring a magnetic field concentrator that focuses the magnetic field onto a smaller area, allowing for a low base torque by concentrating the magnetic field between moving components, enabling a rotary element with variable resistance for haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small rotary knob diameter is used for compact design, then device size is reduced, but the base torque becomes unacceptable for user operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables small rotary knob diameters (30-50 mm) to be operable by concentrating the magnetic field locally at critical interaction points between the rotary element and stator. This localized field concentration provides sufficient haptic feedback and blocking torque despite the small overall size, making compact designs operable with base torque below 0.1 Nm.
2Force
If additional locking mechanisms are added to achieve sufficient blocking, then blocking torque is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field concentrators as intermediary elements that enable the magnetorheological fluid itself to provide the blocking function, eliminating the need for separate mechanical locking mechanisms. The concentrated magnetic field directly controls the rheological properties of the fluid to achieve blocking torque without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-controlled magnetorheological system. Instead of using mechanical pins or latches, the system uses a concentrated magnetic field to control the rheological properties of the fluid, providing blocking torque through magnetic-rheological interaction rather than mechanical engagement.
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 enables a haptic operating device with a base torque less than 0.1 Nm, allowing for easy rotation with a single finger, reducing the need for extensive hand grip and providing flexible, adaptive operation with minimal parts, enhancing user experience and device design.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological transmission in which the transmission property is affected by a magnetorheological fluid that is subjected to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A haptic interface with a magnetorheological transmission apparatus featuring a magnetic field concentrator that focuses the magnetic field onto a smaller area
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices, such as consumer electronics devices and control systems in vehicles are controlled by way of a haptic operating device with a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item is selected by rotating the rotating unit. The rotating unit latches at a number of haptically perceptible latching points during rotation. The number and rotational position of the haptically perceptible latching points is dynamically changed in accordance with a specific menu item selected by the user.