Rotary Control Haptic Feedback via Shape Memory Alloy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical rotary switches lack adjustable and variable haptic feedback, leading to increased manufacturing costs and unnecessary complexity in providing a wide range of tactile effects, which are often not required in applications.
Innovation Solution
A rotary switch assembly utilizing a shape memory alloy (SMA) member that changes shape in response to temperature changes, allowing for adjustable torque, displacement, detent frequency, and background friction, thereby providing customizable haptic effects while reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary switch assembly provides a near infinite variety of tactile effects through programmable electromechanical devices, then haptic feedback versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing a shape memory alloy member that changes its physical properties (shape, stiffness) in response to temperature changes. This allows the rotary switch to provide multiple different tactile effects (varying torque, detent amplitude, background friction) by simply changing the temperature of the shape memory alloy member, rather than using multiple complex electromechanical devices. The shape memory alloy's ability to transform between different states enables versatile haptic feedback while maintaining a simple, cost-effective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the shape memory alloy material, which transitions between austenite and martensite phases in response to temperature changes. This phase transition causes the material to change shape and stiffness, thereby varying the haptic characteristics of the rotary switch. By controlling the temperature, the system can provide different tactile effects without requiring complex programmable electromechanical devices, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tactile effects are provided through multiple haptic effect members, then haptic feedback variety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single shape memory alloy member that can perform multiple functions. By controlling the temperature of this one member, the system can vary torque, detent amplitude, background friction, and other haptic parameters. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate haptic effect members, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to provide a variety of tactile effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the shape memory alloy member to achieve multiple haptic effects. By changing the temperature parameter, the material's physical properties change, allowing one component to provide varying torque characteristics, detent profiles, and friction levels. This approach enables a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed haptic effects are provided through fixed detent and spring members, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but haptic feedback adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the haptic characteristics of the rotary switch adjustable rather than fixed. The shape memory alloy member's properties can be dynamically changed by controlling its temperature, allowing the system to adapt torque, detent amplitude, and background friction based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved with a relatively simple structure, maintaining cost-effectiveness while adding adjustability that fixed components cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the shape memory alloy member to enable adjustable haptic feedback. By varying the temperature parameter, the material's shape and stiffness change, thereby adjusting the haptic characteristics. This allows a single, relatively simple component to replace multiple fixed configurations, achieving adjustability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
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 SMA-based rotary switch assembly offers variable and adjustable haptic feedback, reducing manufacturing costs by allowing for fewer haptic effects configurations, while providing a near-infinite variety of tactile experiences through programmable interactions with other components.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory alloy member made from a shape memory alloy and joined to the second frame. The shape memory alloy member changes shape, and the second frame transforms the changing shape of the shape memory alloy member into movement of the first frame
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary switch assembly includes a knob, a wheel joined to the knob, a first frame that moves toward the wheel, a second frame joined to the first frame, and a shape memory alloy member made from a shape memory alloy and joined to the second frame. The shape memory alloy member changes shape, and the second frame transforms the changing shape of the shape memory alloy member into movement of the first frame.