Rotary Input Stepper Motor With Programmable Haptic Detents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary control assemblies, such as mouse wheels, lack haptic feedback mechanisms that provide users with tactile sensations during scrolling, and existing solutions cannot offer tunable or programmable haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A stepper motor with a shaft, magnet, and coils arranged on a rotational path, where the interaction between the magnet's magnetic field and the coil-generated field creates a detent force, providing haptic feedback, and a flexible design with variable current patterns allows for customizable haptic experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rotary control assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but haptic feedback is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based system. Coils generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets on the rotating shaft to create detent forces, providing tactile feedback without complex mechanical linkages or springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables programmable haptic feedback by dynamically changing electrical parameters (current magnitude and duration) supplied to the coils. This allows the same simple structure to produce varied detent forces and tactile sensations through software control of electrical parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed haptic feedback mechanisms are used, then the structure is straightforward, but tunability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic haptic feedback by enabling real-time adjustment of coil current parameters during operation. The system can adapt detent force characteristics based on operational context, user preferences, or application requirements through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves tunability by varying electrical parameters (current amplitude, pulse width, frequency) supplied to the coils. This allows a single hardware design to support multiple haptic feedback patterns and sensations through software-based parameter modulation.
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 stepper motor effectively provides users with tunable and variable haptic feedback, enhancing user experience and control efficiency in rotary control assemblies by creating a detent force that simulates tactile sensations during rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet for generating a first magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a first current source which is configured to supply a first current to the first coil to trigger the first coil to generate a second magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
Based on the interaction between the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, a so-called 'detent' will be created between the magnet and the detent coils
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relates to a stepper motor for use in a rotary control assembly of an input device. The stepper motor includes a shaft; a magnet coupled to the shaft and operable to rotate with a rotation of the shaft, the magnet generating a first magnetic field; a first coil arranged on a rotational path of the magnet; and a first current source configured to supply a first current to the first coil to cause the first coil to generate a second magnetic field, a main direction of the second magnetic field being substantially parallel with a main direction of the first magnetic field while the magnet rotates and passes the first coil.