초록 ▼

An actuator having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable to facilitate provision in a single actuator of torque-position characteristics, such as a selectable number of detents per actuation through its full operative path. A rotary actuator facilitates pr

An actuator having electronically controllable tactile responsiveness which is flexibly programmable to facilitate provision in a single actuator of torque-position characteristics, such as a selectable number of detents per actuation through its full operative path. A rotary actuator facilitates provision in a single actuator, of torque versus angular position characteristics, such as a selectable number of detents per revolution. The actuator is in communication with a servo motor having a position encoder which outputs position information to a controller that has access to torque-position relation information. The controller outputs a digital torque signal, in accordance with the torque-position relation information, which is converted to an analog current signal applied to the servo motor to generate torque in the servo motor. The torque, presenting a tactile response to a human interacting with the actuator, is sensed as a detent or a plurality of detents.

대표청구항 ▼

An actuator having tactile feedback capabilities, comprising: a gripping member that is graspable for receiving a tactile feedback; a servo motor having said gripping member attached thereto; a position encoder in communication with said servo motor, said encoder having an index representing a refer

An actuator having tactile feedback capabilities, comprising: a gripping member that is graspable for receiving a tactile feedback; a servo motor having said gripping member attached thereto; a position encoder in communication with said servo motor, said encoder having an index representing a reference position of said servo motor and said encoder providing position information of said servo motor relative to said reference position; a controller receiving said position information from said encoder; a store of torque-position relation information accessible to said controller, said controller outputting at least one torque value corresponding to said position information in accordance with said store of torque-position relation information; and a drive signal source generating a drive signal to said servo motor in accordance with said at least one torque value, said drive signal causing a torque in said servo motor, said torque providing said tactile feedback to said gripping member.