Rotatable Magnet Module for Tactile Sensation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing tactile sensation, such as vibrotactile feedback, require electrical power sources and can introduce artifacts or have low sensitivity and spatial resolution, limiting their effectiveness in prostheses and handheld control devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of a magnet module with rotatably mounted magnetic elements and a controller to control tactile sensations by varying the magnetic field, allowing for a wide range of tactile feedback without the need for an electrical power source, and enabling continuous variable control for more realistic simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibrotactile feedback using electric motors is used, then tactile sensation can be provided, but electrical power source is required and vibrations can affect socket movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical motor system with a purely mechanical magnet-based system. The tactile feedback is generated by magnetic elements that interact with the skin through magnetic forces, eliminating the need for electrical power sources while maintaining reliable tactile sensation provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical power source component from the system. By using permanent magnets and mechanical linkages, the system achieves tactile feedback functionality without requiring batteries or electrical motors, thereby eliminating the associated power supply requirements and potential interference with socket movement.
2Reliability
If vibrotactile feedback is used, then tactile sensation can be provided, but artefacts on the control signal can be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical motor-based vibrotactile system with a mechanical magnet-based system. This replacement eliminates the source of control signal artefacts by using purely mechanical magnetic interactions that do not generate electrical interference or signal distortion, thereby maintaining both tactile feedback reliability and control signal accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power source is used for tactile feedback, then various tactile sensations can be generated, but separation of tissue from electrodes can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical electrode system with a mechanical magnet-based system. The magnetic elements provide tactile sensations through direct mechanical interaction with the skin, eliminating the need for electrical electrodes that can separate from tissue. This substitution maintains versatility in generating various tactile sensations while ensuring reliable and stable contact.
4Reliability
If magnetic elements are rotatably mounted, then reliable and reproducible tactile sensations are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by making the magnetic components rotatable rather than fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the magnetic elements to rotate and change their orientation relative to the skin, creating reliable and reproducible tactile sensations through controlled magnetic field variations. The rotatable mounting mechanism, while adding some complexity, enables superior tactile feedback reliability.
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
This approach provides reliable, reproducible, and sensitive tactile feedback, enhancing the simulation of sensations in prostheses and control devices, particularly by utilizing magnetic field changes to stimulate skin without the need for batteries, thus avoiding bulk and longevity issues.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to control a tactile sensation applied by the first magnet module to the human or animal body by controlling a magnetic field applied to the first magnet module
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to control the applied tactile sensation by rotating one or more of the magnetic elements using the applied magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for providing tactile sensation are provided. In one disclosed arrangement, there is provided a first magnet module comprising one or more magnetic elements. A mounting arrangement mounts the first magnet module to a human or animal body. A controller controls a tactile sensation applied by the first magnet module to the human or animal body by controlling a magnetic field applied to the first magnet module. The one or more magnetic elements are rotatably mounted and the controller controls the applied tactile sensation by rotating one or more of the magnetic elements using the applied magnetic field.