Tactile feedback apparatus for rotary manual input
US4652805A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/37396
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for rotary manual input utilizes an electromagnetic brake and control circuit to provide tactile feedback to the operator similar to that of a mechanical detent. A shaft connects a handwheel to the brake and to an incremental encoder. The torque generated by the brake when energized is small enough to allow easy rotation of the handwheel. The control circuit keeps the brake normally energized. As the handwheel is turned, the control circuit monitors the encoder position signals and momentarily de-energizes the brake for each incremental movement. The momentary loss of resistance is felt by the operator to verify the incremental movement. The encoder position signals are also made available to an external device, such as for example a Numerical Controller, to implement the commanded movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.