Vehicle Rotary Knob Haptics Using Magnetorheological Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary control devices lack efficient modulation of torque transmission and haptic feedback, which is crucial for precise control and safety functions in vehicles, particularly in selecting operation modes and providing user interface experiences.
Innovation Solution
A rotary control device incorporating a magnetorheological actuator with a rotational element connected to a user interface surface, interacting with magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity is controlled by a magnetic field, and a servo actuator that applies torque based on sensor data and governing signals to modulate torque transmission and provide haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetorheological actuator is used to modulate torque transmission, then precise control of torque is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque control mechanisms with a magnetorheological actuator that uses magnetic fields to control fluid viscosity. The assembly for generating and manipulating magnetic field properties substitutes mechanical linkages and friction-based torque modulation with electromagnetic control, achieving precise torque modulation without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetorheological actuator changes the physical state of the magnetorheological fluid by varying magnetic field parameters (strength, orientation). By controlling the magnetic field properties, the system dynamically adjusts fluid viscosity from liquid-like to solid-like states, enabling continuous torque modulation without mechanical wear or complex gear systems.
2Ease of operation
If torque transmission is modulated using magnetorheological fluid, then haptic feedback quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies magnetic field pulses periodically rather than maintaining continuous high-energy magnetic fields. The assembly generates magnetic field bursts synchronized with user interaction events, providing haptic feedback only when needed. This periodic activation significantly reduces average energy consumption compared to continuous magnetic field generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetorheological fluid provides dynamic, real-time adjustment of torque characteristics based on user input. The system transitions from static friction-based haptic feedback to dynamic magnetic-field-controlled fluid resistance, enabling adaptive haptic responses that match user interaction patterns while consuming energy only during active modulation events.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a servo actuator is added to apply torque based on governing signals, then control stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetorheological actuator and servo actuator into a unified control system where both components work synergistically. The magnetorheological actuator provides continuous torque modulation while the servo actuator provides precise positioning and stability control. This combination achieves superior control stability without requiring separate, redundant actuator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo actuator receives governing signals from the processing unit based on sensor data, creating a closed-loop feedback system. This feedback mechanism continuously monitors user interface surface orientation and adjusts servo actuator torque application to maintain desired stability, enabling precise control without over-complicating the overall system architecture.
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
Enables precise control and safety functions by varying torque transmission and haptic feedback, allowing for stable and non-stable position management, enhancing user interface experiences and safety features like mode selection, steering, and braking.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological actuator comprises a rotational element that is mechanically connected to the user interface surface and serves to interact with a magnetorheological fluid of the magnetorheological actuator, and wherein the magnetorheological actuator comprises an assembly for generating and/or manipulating properties of a magnetic field acting on the magnetorheological fluid such that the magnetorheological actuator serves to modulate torque transmission
Implementation Method 2
an assembly for generating and/or manipulating properties of a magnetic field acting on the magnetorheological fluid
Implementation Method 3
a servo actuator that is embodied to apply torque to the user interface surface in accordance with governing signals output by the processing unit of the device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary control device (1) for a vehicle comprising a user interface surface (3), in particular a knob, that is embodied to rotate with respect to a housing (5) of the device (1) around a rotational axis (7) of the device (1), further comprising a sensor unit (9) for monitoring the orientation and/or rotational movement of the user interface surface (3) with respect to the housing (5), a processing unit (11), and a communications interface (13) for transmitting control signals (Ts) according to an output (Op) from the processing unit (11), said output (Op) being generated by the processing unit (11) on the basis of sensor data (Ds) from the sensor unit (9).