The operating device (10,10′) intended to be installed in a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) and an operating element (14,14′) which is movably mounted in and/or on the housing (12) and can be manually transferred from a rest position to a function-triggering position. Furthermore, the operating device (10, 10′) is provided with a switch (22) which is adapted to be actuated by the operating element (14, 14′) when it is manually transferred to the function-triggering position, a holding-force generation unit (26, 26′) for generating a holding force with which the operating element (14, 14′) is held in its rest position, and a control unit (32) for electrically controlling the holding-force generation unit for the purpose of setting the holding force.

The present disclosure concerns a haptic solenoid assembly for transmission of amplified vibrations to a vibrated member, the haptic solenoid assembly comprising a stationary pole comprising a casing defining a plunger-receiving cavity opening out in the casing and a coil at least partially surrounding the plunger-receiving cavity; a mobile pole comprising a mobile pole body at least partially received in the plunger-receiving cavity and displaceable therein when an electric current is provided to the coil; and a lever-mounting portion protruding outwardly from the plunger-receiving cavity and engageable to the vibrated member; and a solenoid vibration-damping system engaged to the stationary pole and at least partially surrounding the plunger-receiving cavity. The present disclosure also concerns a haptic solenoid system comprising a haptic solenoid assembly and a vibration-transmitting member connected to the lever-mounting end portion of the mobile pole and engageable to the vibrated member.

Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.

Touch sensors form various controls for a touch controller of a blender. The controls are arranged on the touch controller such that a user holding the blender can operate the blender by articulating their thumbs. In one example, button controls for preset programs are arranged in an arcuate manner on one side of the touch controller, the curvature of the arcuate shape being open to the side of the blender. A button for a pulsating function may be located inside the curvature opening. Start and stop buttons may be located near the bottom in the middle of the touch controller. A vertical sliding speed control may be located on the side of the touch controller opposite the button controls. The touch controller may also have an LED or LCD screen.

A selection controller for manual selection of an operating mode and/or operating characteristics of an audio control device is disposed within an interior of a vehicle. The selection controller includes a selector element that is designed to allow a user to make the manual selection. The selecting element can be arranged at least in a first position that is not elevated from a control surface of the audio control device and in a second position that is elevated from the control surface of the audio control device.

An input device for use with a first electronic device and a second electronic device includes a frame, a plurality of manually depressible input members supported by the frame, a communication module supported by the frame and operable to selectively communicate with the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and a switch supported by the frame and coupled to the communication module. The switch is operable to change whether the communication module communicates with the first electronic device or the second electronic device. The input device also includes a light source coupled to the switch and positioned at least partially within the frame. The light source is operable to provide a backlight for the plurality of input members. The backlight is modified in response to actuation of the switch.

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies with a shape memory alloy actuator (SMA) in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.

A control apparatus includes a main body unit, a plurality of moving members each of which is movably supported by the main body unit, a magneto rheological fluid provided between the main body unit and each of the plurality of moving members or between each of the plurality of moving members, and one magnetic field generator configured to apply a magnetic field to the magneto rheological fluid.

A multi-level feedback actuator assembly for a circuit breaker assembly includes a rotary solenoid, an electric actuator assembly and a manual actuator assembly. The electric actuator assembly includes a switch assembly with an actuator. The manual actuator assembly includes a number of primary actuators, a linkage assembly, and a cam assembly. The number of primary actuators includes a first actuator with a body. The first actuator body is structured to move over a path having at least a first portion and a second portion. The rotary solenoid is operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is further operatively coupled to an operating mechanism crossbar. In this configuration, the linkage assembly is structured to apply at least a first bias and a second bias to the first actuator body. Further, the first bias is noticeably different from said second bias.

A steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim and a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. Additionally, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the steering housing is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. The PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.