Variable Torque Transmission for Haptic Feedback at End Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic feedback in controller devices diminishes when the user input element reaches an end stop position, limiting the kinesthetic haptic effect and user immersion in gaming and virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
The haptically-enabled controller device incorporates a transmission component with varying multiplication factors for force or torque transfer, a haptic control unit that selects appropriate haptic effects based on the user input element's position, a potential energy accumulator, and mechanical or programmable detents to enhance haptic feedback at the end stop position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user input element reaches an end stop position, then the mechanical range of motion is completed, but the haptic feedback diminishes and user immersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission component employs a variable multiplication factor that dynamically adjusts based on the user input element's position. As the element approaches the end stop position, the multiplication factor increases to compensate for the natural diminishment of haptic feedback, maintaining consistent force feedback throughout the entire range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque transfer parameter (multiplication factor) as a function of position. The haptic control unit modifies the transmission ratio in real-time based on the user input element's position, ensuring that haptic feedback remains effective even when the element is near the end stop position
2Device complexity
If a fixed multiplication factor is used for torque transfer, then the transmission system is simpler, but haptic feedback diminishes at the end stop position
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed mechanical transmission ratio, the system implements a dynamic multiplication factor that varies with position. This is achieved through a haptic control unit that adjusts the torque output based on real-time position feedback, creating a variable transmission effect without complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic control unit acts as an intermediary between the motor and the user input element. It processes position information and modulates the motor output accordingly, enabling variable torque transfer without requiring complex mechanical transmission components
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is maintained at end stop position, then user immersion is enhanced, but additional control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the haptic control unit continuously monitors the user input element's position and adjusts the motor output accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the multiplication factor is optimized at each position, maintaining effective haptic feedback throughout the range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic control unit automatically adjusts the torque transfer based on position information without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the multiplication factor to maintain consistent haptic feedback, reducing the need for additional manual control mechanisms
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
These solutions maintain or enhance haptic effects at the end stop position, ensuring consistent user feedback and immersion by increasing torque transfer, selecting appropriate haptic styles, and utilizing energy accumulation to boost feedback, thereby overcoming the diminishment of haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission component is configured to transfer the force or torque from the haptic actuator to the user input element with a first multiplication factor when the user input element is at the first position, and to transfer the force or torque from the haptic actuator to the user input element with a second multiplication factor when the user input element is at the end stop position
Data Source
AI summary
A haptically-enabled controller device comprising a controller body, a user input element, a haptic actuator, and a transmission component is presented. The user input element has a range of motion that extends from a first position to an end stop position. The haptic actuator is configured to output a force or torque. The transmission component comprises an arm connected to the haptic actuator and to the user input element. The arm is configured to transfer the force or torque from the haptic actuator to the user input element with a first multiplication factor when the user input element is at the first position, and to transfer the force or torque from the haptic actuator to the user input element with a second multiplication factor when the user input element is at the end stop position. The second multiplication factor is higher than the first multiplication factor.