Rotary Manipulation Load Control Using Magnetorheological Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulation devices face challenges in imparting adequate external forces to small movable members without using motors, particularly in providing a superior manipulation feeling to manipulators, and require precise control of external forces.
Innovation Solution
A rotation-type manipulation device utilizing a magnetic viscous fluid with a magnetism generating mechanism that includes a coil, first and second yokes, and a movable member, where the magnetic viscous fluid's viscosity changes with the magnetic field strength, applying a rotational load to the manipulation body through the movable member and rotational axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor is used to impart external force to the manipulation member, then a superior manipulation feeling can be achieved, but the device size increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system using magnetic viscous fluid. The coil generates a magnetic field that changes the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid, creating resistance force without mechanical contact or moving parts, thus eliminating the need for a motor and reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetic viscous fluid by varying the magnetic field strength through coil energization. By controlling the current to the coil, the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid is dynamically adjusted, enabling precise control of the resistance force imparted to the manipulation member.
2Ease of operation
If a motor is used to impart external force to the manipulation member, then a superior manipulation feeling can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system using magnetic viscous fluid. The coil generates a magnetic field that changes the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid, creating resistance force without mechanical contact or moving parts, thus eliminating the need for a motor and reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetic viscous fluid by varying the magnetic field strength through coil energization. By controlling the current to the coil, the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid is dynamically adjusted, enabling precise control of the resistance force imparted to the manipulation member.
3Volume of moving object
If the movable member is small in size, then the device can be downsized, but adequate external force cannot be imparted to the manipulation member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetic viscous fluid by varying the magnetic field strength through coil energization. By controlling the current to the coil, the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid is dynamically adjusted, enabling precise control of the resistance force imparted to the manipulation member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic viscous fluid, which is a composite material containing magnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid. This material provides high resistance force density, enabling adequate external force to be imparted to small manipulation members without requiring large device dimensions.
4Volume of moving object
If magnetic viscous fluid is used to impart rotational load without a motor, then device downsizing is achieved, but precise control of external force becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the magnetic viscous fluid by varying the magnetic field strength through coil energization. By controlling the current to the coil, the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid is dynamically adjusted, enabling precise control of the resistance force imparted to the manipulation member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates detection means that detects the rotational position or speed of the manipulation member, and control means that adjusts the coil energization based on the detected information. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the external force imparted by the magnetic viscous fluid.
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 device effectively imparts a superior manipulation feeling by applying a rotational load that matches the manipulation direction and amount, enabling precise control of external forces without the need for motors, facilitating downsizing and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic viscous fluid present in at least part of the gap, the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid changing according to the strength of a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulation device has a manipulation body rotationally operated by the manipulator, a support body rotatably supporting the manipulation body, and a rotational load imparting mechanism. The rotational load imparting mechanism has a movable member engaged with the rotational axis of the manipulation body, a magnetism generating mechanism facing the movable member with a gap intervening, and a magnetic viscous fluid, its viscosity changing according to the strength of a magnetic field. The magnetism generating mechanism has a coil generating a magnetic field and a first yoke provided so as to enclose the coil. The first yoke has a first opposing part and second opposing part, which are separated by slits, on a side facing the movable member. The magnetic viscous fluid is filled in the gap, which is between the first opposing part and the movable member and between the second opposing part and the movable member.