Input device including a ratchet system with an electromagnetic actuator
First Claim
1. An electronic input device, comprising:
- a ratchet assembly comprising a first ring magnet;
a friction disc assembly movable between a first position and a second position, the friction disc assembly engaging the ratchet assembly when the friction disc assembly is in the first position and disengaging from the ratchet assembly when the friction disc assembly moves towards the second position;
a spring applying a first force that biases the friction disc assembly towards the first position;
a second ring magnet emitting a first magnetic field that generates a second force that biases the friction disc assembly towards the second position;
an electromagnetic actuator configured to emit a second magnetic field that reduces a magnitude of the second force when current is applied to the electromagnetic actuator in a first direction and increases the magnitude of the second force when current is applied to the electromagnetic actuator in a second direction; and
a knob enclosing the ratchet assembly, the friction disc assembly, the spring, the second ring magnet and the electromagnetic actuator within an annular cavity.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. An electronic input device, comprising:
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a ratchet assembly comprising a first ring magnet; a friction disc assembly movable between a first position and a second position, the friction disc assembly engaging the ratchet assembly when the friction disc assembly is in the first position and disengaging from the ratchet assembly when the friction disc assembly moves towards the second position; a spring applying a first force that biases the friction disc assembly towards the first position; a second ring magnet emitting a first magnetic field that generates a second force that biases the friction disc assembly towards the second position; an electromagnetic actuator configured to emit a second magnetic field that reduces a magnitude of the second force when current is applied to the electromagnetic actuator in a first direction and increases the magnitude of the second force when current is applied to the electromagnetic actuator in a second direction; and a knob enclosing the ratchet assembly, the friction disc assembly, the spring, the second ring magnet and the electromagnetic actuator within an annular cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification