Folded gear drive force feedback mechanism with direct drive sensors
US6573885B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05G2009/04748
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pointing device incorporates a force feedback mechanism driven by an actuator to convey physical sensations to the user. A position sensing apparatus is provided for monitoring the position of the user manipulable object in the pointing device. The sensing apparatus employs sensors that are directly or essentially directly connected to the user manipulable object to reduce backlash and are mounted in a way to eliminate off-axis loading on the sensors. The reduction of backlash produces more accurate position measurements, while the elimination of off-axis loading protects the sensors from damage to the internal mechanisms thereof. A computer controller processes the data from the sensors, and controls the actuator to produce feedback forces to the user manipulable object via the force feedback mechanism. The force feedback mechanism includes a gear reduction system that utilizes an annular reduction gear portion for force transmission from the force feedback actuator to the user manipulable object. The annular reduction gear portion has gear teeth along an inner, concave side to produce a greater gear reduction, so that a smaller and cheaper actuator can be used. The gear reducti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.