Abstract
In this paper, we propose a tiny haptic knob that creates torque feedback in consumer electronic devices. To develop the proposed haptic knob, we use a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. When an input current is applied to a solenoid coil, a magnetic field causes a change in the MR fluid’s viscosity. This change allows the proposed haptic knob to generate a resistive torque. We optimize the structure of the haptic knob, in which two operating modes of MR fluids contribute to the actuation simultaneously. We conduct magnetic path simulation and resistive torque simulation using the finite element method and perform experiments to measure the resistive torque and its torque rate according to the rotational speed and applied current. The results show that the proposed haptic knob generates sufficient torque feedback to stimulate users and creates a variety of haptic sensations.
Highlights
In many consumer electronic devices, a knob is commonly used to handle and manipulate several functions
We propose a haptic knob where two modes of MR fluids contribute to the generation of haptic sensation simultaneously, resulting in the creation of a sufficiently large resistive torque to stimulate the user
The results show that the generated resistive torque can be controlled by the applied current, and the proposed haptic knob can create a variety of haptic sensations
Summary
In many consumer electronic devices, a knob is commonly used to handle and manipulate several functions. Another advantage is that MR fluid-based actuators can be developed in free form but can generate high resistive force/torque under low input voltage in real time [8,9,10] For these reasons, many researchers have focused on the development of rotary-type haptic actuators using MR fluids. 3-DOF spherical force feedback system [15] These modules showed the feasibility of MR fluids for tiny rotary-type haptic knobs, they are still too large to be embedded into small consumer electronic devices. We propose a haptic knob where two modes (flow and shear) of MR fluids contribute to the generation of haptic sensation simultaneously, resulting in the creation of a sufficiently large resistive torque to stimulate the user. The results show that the generated resistive torque can be controlled by the applied current, and the proposed haptic knob can create a variety of haptic sensations
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