Input device including a ratchet system with an electromagnetic actuator
US10642467B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2300/038
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In certain embodiments, an electronic input device includes a knob assembly defining an annular cavity and including a magnetically attractable armature. The electronic input device also includes a ratchet assembly disposed within the annular cavity and includes a ring magnet. The electronic input device includes a clutch mechanism that has a friction disc assembly, and an electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic field that shifts the friction disc assembly between a first position in which the friction disc assembly prevents rotation of the ratchet assembly and a second position in which the ratchet assembly is free to rotate with the knob assembly. The ring magnet of the ratchet assembly interacts with the magnetically attractable armature to generate a ratcheting feedback in response to rotation of the knob assembly when the friction disc assembly is in the first position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.