Force feedback device including single-phase, fixed-coil actuators

Abstract

A force feedback interface device that provides force feedback to a joystick handle manipulated by a user. A force feedback device inputs control signals to a computer and outputs forces to a user of the force feedback device. The device includes a housing gripped by the user of the force feedback device and a joystick handle manipulable in at least two rotary degrees of freedom by the user, such as a gamepad. Sensors detect a position of the joystick handle and two direct drive actuators each provide torque in a rotary degree of freedom. Each of the actuators is a brushless, single phase actuator having a grounded excitation coil and a moving magnetic material. The joystick is mechanically constrained to not move past either of two limits where the torque output by the actuator in an unenergized state changes direction. The joystick handle can be oriented such that a center position is substantially at a local minimum reluctance position of the actuator, where the joystick is mechanically constrained to not move substantially past either local maximum reluctance position adjacent to the local minimum reluctance position. The local minimum reluctance position can in some embodiments provide a centering spring force on the joystick handle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.