Rotatable Knob Controller with Moveable Member for Linear Force Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems lack intuitive and efficient controllers that enable seamless interaction with humans, particularly in terms of handling, welding, and assembly tasks, requiring innovative solutions for component design and sensing techniques to enhance their operational capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A controller system featuring a rotatable knob with a curved surface and a moveable member that is mechanically adjustable between two positions, allowing for both rotation and touch gestures, combined with a motor for torque application and a curved touchpad for sensing, enabling users to interact with robotic systems in a more intuitive and efficient manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moveable member is coupled to the rotatable knob to enable linear force input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into distinct functional components: the rotatable knob, the moveable member, the curved touchpad, and the motor. Each component has a specific function, and they can be independently adjusted or replaced. The moveable member can be positioned in different locations along the radial axis, allowing for modular configuration that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable member is designed to be mechanically adjustable between different positions along the radial axis. This dynamic positioning allows the controller to adapt to different operational modes: when the moveable member is extended, it provides linear force input; when retracted, it allows direct access to the curved touchpad. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between different operational states rather than being fixed in one configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the moveable member extends radially to provide linear input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the accessibility to the curved surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable member's position along the radial axis is made dynamically adjustable. When linear force input is needed, the moveable member extends outward. When direct access to the curved touchpad is needed, the moveable member can be retracted or repositioned. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the required interaction mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable member serves multiple functions: it provides linear force input when extended, and can be repositioned to allow access to the curved touchpad when needed. The radial adjustment mechanism allows a single component to fulfill both the ease of operation requirement (through linear input) and the accessibility requirement (by allowing touchpad access), making the controller universally adaptable to different user needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a motor is added to apply torque to the rotatable knob, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is integrated directly into the rotatable knob assembly, merging the rotational actuation function with the knob structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, coupling mechanisms, or external mounting structures that would otherwise be required. The motor becomes an inherent part of the knob, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the enhanced functionality of motorized rotation.
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 controller system enhances user interaction by allowing linear input translation into rotation and providing haptic feedback, enabling precise control of robotic systems through a combination of rotational and touch-based inputs, thereby improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a curved touchpad arranged to sense touch gestures on the curved surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one motor that is operable to apply torque to the rotatable knob
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations may relate to a controller system having a moveable member. In particular, the controller system may include a rotatable knob having a curved surface, at least one motor that is operable to apply torque to the rotatable knob, a curved touchpad arranged to sense touch gestures on the curved surface, and a moveable member that is mechanically adjustable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the moveable member is coupled to the rotatable knob and extends radially from the curved surface along a radial axis, such that application of a force perpendicular to the radial axis to the moveable member causes rotation of the rotatable knob. While in the second position, the moveable member provides accessibility to the curved surface of the rotatable knob.