Patent ID: 12188789

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.

The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.

As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.

With new transportation devices emerging (e.g., electric scooters, electric bikes, electric motorcycles, etc.), there is a need for an improved throttle for controlling these new transportation devices as well as improving the experience for existing transportation devices. While the examples described herein are targeted toward electronic throttles, it is appreciated that this is one of a variety of use cases in which the rotatory transducer may be advantageously used. It is understood that the rotary transducer may be used in any embodiment where a user desires fine-tuned control of any output by varying an output electrical voltage based on a user selected input.

The present systems and methods describe a rotary transducer that outputs a unique voltage response based on the position the position of the rotary dial. In some embodiments, the rotary transducer uses two or more magnets positioned and arranged as described herein, in combination with one or more Hall effect sensors to provide the proper voltage response. As described here, the position and arrangement of the two or more magnets may be optimized to provide a linear voltage response across a defined range of motion. As described herein, a substantially linear voltage response may be achieved across at least a 72-degree range of motion, so that the output of the Hall effect sensor(s) may be directly used without any signal processing and/or signal filtering.

In some embodiments (e.g., throttle only), the voltage response of the rotary transducer may be used directly to control acceleration based on the output voltage level. In one embodiment, the Hall effect sensor may output between 0 and 5 volts depending on the magnetic field that is sensed, and the rotary dial may be configured to center at 0 volts. In such an embodiment, voltage readings from 0 volts to 5 volts may be used as a throttle to drive acceleration.

In other embodiments (e.g., bi-directional throttle), the voltage response of the rotary transducer may be divided to enable different responses to different voltage ranges. In one embodiment (e.g., acceleration/deceleration throttle), the Hall effect sensor may output between 0 and 5 volts depending on the magnetic field that is sensed, and the rotary dial may be configured to center at 2.5 volts. In such an embodiment, voltage readings from 2.51 volts to 5 volts may be used as a fine-tuned variable acceleration input (e.g., throttle) to drive acceleration while readings from 2.49 volts to 0 volts may be used as a fine-tuned variable deceleration input (e.g., negative throttle) to drive deceleration (e.g., through regenerative braking). The output of the rotary transducer (e.g., a resulting voltage level from the one or more Hall sensors) may be provided directly as an input to the control module (e.g., electronic motor controller, electronic speed controller), without any filtering, signal processing, or other signal manipulation.

In some embodiments, a visual output of the sensor readings may be provided for feedback to the user (successively increasing green bars (e.g., LED bars, using one or more Red Green Blue (RGB) LEDs, for example) for increasing acceleration and successively increasing red bars (e.g., LED bars, using one or more RGB LEDs, for example) for increasing deceleration, for example). In some embodiments, the housing of the sealed unit may act as a diffuser for light being emitted by the RGB LEDs.

The rotary transducer may have a rotary dial that is completely accessible around its circumference (e.g., accessible from all angles, 360 degrees of accessibility). This enables control from any angle around the circumference, which opens up entirely new methodologies for actuating the rotary transducer (e.g., with a thumb, using an index finger, using a side of a hand, etc.).

In some embodiments, the rotary transducer may be switched between two different modes, an acceleration only mode or a bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode. It is appreciated that control modules are typically designed to operate in only a single mode at any given time (e.g., acceleration only mode or bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode). Accordingly, the selection of the mode of the rotary transducer should be aligned with the corresponding mode of the control module for proper operation.

The rotary transducer is designed to operate in harsh environments, including under-water, in the rain, mud, sand, etc. This is because all electrical components, including the Hall effect sensor(s), are contained in a sealed unit, separate from the rotary dial, and it is a changing magnetic field, driven by the position and the arrangement of the two or more magnets in the rotary dial and the position of the rotary dial with respect to the sealed unit, that provides the principle of operation.

Referring now to the figures,FIG.1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105from a front perspective view. The rotary transducer105includes an upper housing120, a rotary dial110, and a lower housing125. The rotary dial110sits between the upper housing120and the lower housing125and is rotatable with respect to the upper housing120and the lower housing125(which are affixed together, for example) as described more fully herein. An indicator window115may be positioned in or adjacent (e.g., in an integrated way, as shown) to the upper housing120. The indicator windows115may facilitate the provision of visual feedback to the user (using lights, for example) of the output voltage being provided by the rotary transducer105. The indicator window115may be coupled to/integrated into a sealed unit205as described hereafter.

The rotary transducer105may be coupled to a handlebar clamp130for mounting the rotary transducer105to a transportation device (e.g., electric scooter, electric bike, electric motorcycle, etc.). It is appreciated that the combination of the handlebar clamp130and the 360-degree circumferential access to the rotary dial110allows the rotary transducer to be positioned and used in numerous configurations (e.g., below a handlebar (as shown), above a handlebar, protruding frontward or backward from the handlebar, and countless other positions. This mounting flexibility may enable more comfortable throttle control, safer throttle control (avoid accidental throttle inputs, such as the death grip), and more opportunity for new ways of throttle control for increase accessibility.

FIG.2illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-afrom a back perspective view. In this embodiment, which is the back with respect to the embodiment105, additional features of the rotary transducer are visible. As illustrated, the rotary transducer may further include a cable relief135. The cable relief135may be part of the sealed unit205as described hereafter. The handlebar clamp130may additionally include a screw140for increasing/reducing the circumference of the handlebar clamp130for positioning and affixing the rotary transducer105to an object (e.g., a handlebar).

The rotary transducer105outputs a voltage based on the position of the rotary dial110and it is anticipated that the voltage would be transmitted to a control module via a physical wire. Accordingly, a wire may connect electronics (e.g., the Hall effect sensor) within the sealed unit205and the control module. The wire may pass through the cable relief135to seal and support the wire as it leaves the sealed unit205. While the described embodiments consider a wired control (via an analog signal, for example) to a control module of a transportation device, it is appreciated that the voltage output may be sampled and digitized so that a digital signal may be provided (via wired or wireless communication) to the control module. In the case of wireless communication, the cable relief135may be omitted.

FIG.3illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-bfrom a top view. As illustrated inFIG.3, the indicator windows115may be visible by looking straight down on the rotary transducer105.

FIG.4illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-cfrom a bottom view. As illustrated inFIG.4, a bolt145may affix the lower housing125to the upper housing120while providing an axle around which the rotary dial110may rotate. In addition, the lower housing may include two strategically placed threaded holes that are configured to receive either of the mode selection screws195-aand195-b. As illustrated inFIG.4, the mode selection screws195-aand195-bare positioned to place the rotary transducer105in one mode (e.g., throttle only mode), as described herein. The mode selection screws195-aand195-bmay be switched (e.g., screw195-amay be replaced with screw195-band screw195-bmay be replaced with screw195-a) to change to the other mode (e.g., bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode), as illustrated below.

FIG.5illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-dfrom a front view.FIG.6illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-efrom a back view. As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the upper housing120may be angled so that the top surface of the upper housing120is not slanted from one side to the other side. It is anticipated that the shape (e.g., relative slant) of the upper housing120may be optimized for mounting in different orientations, with different handlebar designs, and/or for desired ergonomics.

FIG.7illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-ffrom a left side view.FIG.8illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-gfrom a right-side view.

FIG.9illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-h, without a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) or other mounting option from a front-side perspective view. As illustrated, the top surface160of the upper housing120may include one or more protrusions150(e.g., protrusions150-aand150-b) for interfacing with a mounting device (e.g., handlebar clamp130) to ensure that the rotary device105is immovably affixed to the mounting device. In some embodiments, the rotary transducer105may be held together using a bolt145. In some embodiments, the bolt145may also be used to attach a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) to the rotary transducer105. The upper housing120may include a hole155through which the bolt145may pass through, as illustrated inFIG.9.

FIG.10illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-i, without a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) or other mounting option from a back-side perspective view. As illustrated inFIG.10, the cable relief135may pass through a hole within the upper housing120.

FIG.11illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-j, without a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) or other mounting option from a top view. As illustrated inFIG.11, the upper housing120may include one or more protrusions150-a,150-b, to ensure that the rotary transducer105does not rotate with respect to a handlebar clamp130or other mounting hardware.

FIG.12illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-k, without a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) or other mounting option from a bottom view. In addition to the bolt145,FIG.12illustrates one embodiment of the placement of the mode selection screws195-a,195-b. In some embodiments, the bottom housing125may be fixedly attached to the upper housing120in relationship to the one or more Hall effect sensors such that the placement of the mode select screws195-a,195-bappropriately interface (or appropriately avoid interfacing, for example) with the rotary dial110to effectuate mode selection between at least two modes.

FIG.13illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-l, without a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) or other mounting option from a front view. In some embodiments, the rotary transducer105may be designed to be placed to the right of center on a handlebar so that the cable relief135extends towards center of the handlebar and so that the indicator window115is directly visible from the front view, as illustrated.FIG.14illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-m, without a handlebar clamp (e.g., handlebar clamp130) or other mounting option from a back view.

FIG.15illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-n. As illustrated, the handlebar clamp130includes a bottom portion131, a pin132, a top portion133, and a clamp screw140. The top portion133may be rotatably connected to the bottom portion131using the pin132to enable the top portion133to open up and then to clamp down via the clamp screw140upon a bar (e.g., a handlebar), for easy installation. The clamp screw140may couple the top portion133to the bottom portion131and in combination with the pin132enables the inner circumference of the handlebar clamp130to be increased or decreased based on the position of the clamp screw140. The bottom portion131may be affixed to the upper housing120using the bolt145.

The rotary transducer105includes an upper housing120, a sealed unit205(as discussed below), a spacer450, one or more magnets330, a rotary dial110, an arm assembly185(e.g., arm assembly185-a,185-b), a spring190, and the lower housing125. As illustrated, the lower housing125includes a protruding cylinder that acts as an axle for the arms assembly185, the rotary dial110, and the spacer145. As illustrated the lower housing125includes one or more protrusions195-a,195-bthat, based on the mode selected, selectively engage with the arms assembly185. The arm assembly185may interface and engage directly with the rotary dial110such that the arm assembly185in combination with the spring190and the features of the lower housing125(include any mode selection screws195-a,195-bas applicable, for example) work together to control rotation of the rotary dial110including centering of the rotary dial110at a particular point (as discussed in further detail below). This particular centering point is optimized in combination with the location of the one or more Hall effect sensors215-a,215-band the one or magnets330to ensure that at a given rotation of the rotary dial results in the desired output voltage from the Hall effect sensors215.

The arm assembly185, the rotary dial110and the spacer450may all be rotatably affixed to an axial cylinder formed by the lower housing125. In some embodiments, the axial cylinder may be lubricated to facilitate the rotation of the arm assembly185, the rotary dial110, and/or the spacer450around the axial cylinder.

As discussed below, the magnets330may be inserted and affixed into the rotary dial110in a strategic manner to create a desired magnetic field that will yield the proper voltage response as the rotary dial110rotates with respect to the one or more Hall effect sensors within the sealed unit205.

The rotary dial105may be connected together as a single unit by the bolt145. The bolt145may thread into the upper housing120to affix the upper housing120to the lower housing125. In some embodiments, the lower housing125may engage with the upper housing120in a way that prevents the lower housing125from rotating or being misaligned from the upper housing120. For example, the axial cylinder of the lower housing125may be notched, as illustrated, and the upper housing120may be correspondingly notched, not shown, to ensure proper alignment between the lower housing125and the upper housing120. In some embodiments, the bolt145may additionally couple the handlebar clamp130to the rotary transducer105.

The sealed unit205includes a top housing165, a circuit board170(e.g., electronics package that includes one or more Hall effect sensors215-a,215-b), a bottom housing175, and screws180(e.g., machine bolts) that join the top housing165and the bottom housing170to seal and encase the circuit board170to form the sealed unit205. At least two of the screws180may thread into the upper housing120to couple the sealed unit205to the upper housing120. In some embodiments, the protrusions150, illustrated previously, correspond with the threaded receptacles that receive the screws180that thread into the upper housing120.

FIG.16illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sealed unit205from a perspective view. The sealed unit205includes a top housing165and a bottom housing175that is coupled together with screws180to form the sealed unit205. The sealed unit205includes the circuit board (e.g., circuit board170, or electronics package), which is not visible because it is sealed inside the sealed unit205. In some embodiments, the protruding cable relief135and indicator window115orient and affix the sealed unit205in proper position with respect to the upper housing120(e.g., by the hole through which the cable relief135passes through the upper housing120and by the indent in the upper housing120to accommodate the indicator window115, for example). The sealed unit205, and specifically the bottom housing175includes the indicator windows115. Although only one indicator window115is shown, it is appreciated that multiple indicator windows (e.g., indicator windows on opposites sides of the sealed unit205) may be used to increase mounting options and/or usability. The indicator window115enables visual indicators (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) on the circuit board170to be visible outside of the sealed unit205.

FIG.17illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sealed unit205-afrom a top view.FIG.18illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sealed unit205-bfrom a bottom view.FIG.19illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sealed unit205-cfrom a back view.

FIG.20illustrates an exploded view of a sealed unit205-d. The sealed unit205includes the top housing165, which includes the cable relief135(or wire relief, for example), the circuit board170, and the bottom housing175. As illustrated the circuit board170sits within the bottom housing175. In some embodiments, one or more of the screws180pass through the circuit board170to affix it in place. In some embodiments, one or more gaskets220may be used in combination with the screws180to ensure that the sealed unit205is impervious to water, mud, dirt, and contaminants. The circuit board170may include one or more Hall effect sensors215-a,215-b, which detect the magnetic field produced by the magnets330. In addition to the Hall effect sensors215-a,215-b, the circuit board170may include one or more light emitting diodes210(e.g., LEDs210) as well as LED driving circuitry, power management circuitry, Hall effect sensor circuitry and the like. The LED210may be a reg green blue (RGB) LED that can produce multiple colors (e.g., green for acceleration or red for deceleration). The positioning of the Hall effect sensors215-a,215-bis important as it impacts the placement and the arrangement of the magnets (e.g., magnets330). It is appreciated that the sealed unit205may be completely sealed because the magnetic fields may easily pass through the sealed unit205, including the bottom housing175, without any disruption.

FIG.21illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary dial110-afrom a perspective view. The rotary dial110may be cylindrical or somewhat spherical as defined by the dial body310. The dial body is designed so that the outer circumference315is exposed as a user input device. The outer circumference315may include a texture, such as angled ridges, as shown, to improve the user experience. In some embodiments, the outer circumference315may be a skin (e.g., silicon wrap) that goes on an outside surface defined by the dial body310. In other embodiments, the outer circumference315and any texture thereto may be part of the dial body310. The rotary dial110may include a center opening325for interfacing with the axial cylinder protruding from the lower housing125. As discussed herein, the axial cylinder from the lower housing125passes through the center opening325of the rotary dial110and provides an axis of rotation that the rotary dial110may rotate around.

The dial body310includes a top surface305that may be recessed with respect to the outside surface defined by the dial body310. The top surface305may include more than one recessed pockets320(e.g., six recessed pockets, as illustrated) for holding magnets (e.g., magnets330). The placement of these recessed pockets320may be optimized in combination with the magnetic strength and position of the magnets within the recessed pocket320.

FIG.22illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary dial110-bwith multiple magnets330prior to the placement of the magnets330within the rotary dial110. Each of the recessed pockets320-a,320-b,320-c,320-d,320-e, and320-fare configured to hold the corresponding magnets330-a,330-b,330-c,330-d,330-e, and330-fin particular position and at a particular orientation so as to create the desired magnetic field arrangement that will cause the desired voltage response from the Hall effect sensors based on the movement of the rotary dial110. As illustrated inFIG.22, the magnets may be arranged in pairs with magnets330-aand330-dacting as a pair, magnets330-band330-cacting as a pair, and magnets330-eand330-facting as a pair. It is appreciated that each pair of magnets330may be unique with respect to size, magnetic strength, and/or magnetic polarization. For example, the pair of magnets330-band330-cmay be smaller in size (e.g., height and/or magnetic strength) than the pair of magnets330-aand330-d. In general, each pair of magnets330may be oriented with opposite magnetic polarization (e.g., if one of the magnets330within the pair is oriented N/S then the other magnet330within the pair is oriented S/N).

FIG.23illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a magnet330-g. It is appreciated that a magnet330may be magnetized with different magnetic polarizations. As illustrated in, magnet330may be a cylinder in shape. As a cylinder, the magnet330includes a cylindrical axis. As illustrated inFIG.23, that magnet330may be magnetized through its thickness.

In this embodiment, the magnet330is a cylindrical magnet that is magnetized such that the North pole350polarization and the South pole polarization360are aligned (i.e., coaxial) with the cylindrical axis of the magnet330. In some embodiments, the magnets330may be magnetized through its thickness as illustrated inFIG.23.

FIG.24illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a magnet330-hthat is magnetized through its diameter. In this embodiment, the magnet330is a cylindrical magnet that is magnetized such that the North pole350polarization and the South pole polarization360are perpendicular (i.e., orthogonal) with the cylindrical axis of the magnet330. In some embodiments, the magnets330may be magnetized through its diameter as illustrated inFIG.24. It is appreciated that the selection of polarization of the magnet330, whether magnetized through its thickness as illustrated inFIG.23or magnetized through is diameter as illustrated inFIG.24, is based on the desired magnetic field that will be produced by the combination of magnets330(e.g., the combination of magnetic fields produced by the combination of magnets330).

FIG.25illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary dial110-cwith magnets330-a,330-b,330-c,330-d,330-e, and330-fprior to placement within the rotary dial110. As illustrated, each magnet330may be a cylinder (sometimes referred to as a disk, for example). The recessed pockets320(e.g.,320-a,320-b,320-c,320-d,320-e, and320-f) may hold the magnets330(e.g.,330-a,330-b,330-c,330-d,330-e, and330-f) at the position and orientation so as to create the desired magnetic field effect. It is appreciated that the magnetic field created by a pair and/or multiple pairs of magnets330varies based on the proximity (e.g., spacing between), orientation (e.g., angle), and relative polarity of each magnet330. The collective magnetic field produced by the magnets330(e.g., the multiple pairs of magnets330) is observed by the Hall effect sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor215). As the rotary dial110is rotated, the magnetic field produced by the magnets330changes with respect to the relative (e.g., fixed) position of the Hall effect sensors and results in an output voltage.

As illustrated, the rotary dial110may hold the magnets330in a vertical orientation and position. In some embodiments, not shown, the rotary dial110may position and/or orient the magnets330at an angle of 15-45 degrees. In yet another embodiment the recessed pocket320holds the magnet330at an angle of 29 degrees. As discussed below, the voltage response changes based on magnet330position and orientation, especially with respect to the motion of the rotary dial110as it relates to the Hall effect sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor215that is within the sealed unit205).

In some embodiments, each pair of magnets330(e.g., magnets330-aand330-d, magnets330-band330-c, magnets330-eand330-f) may be magnetized such that the axis of the North and South magnetic poles correspond with the axis of the cylinder of the magnet330, with each member of each pair being polarized oppositely from the other member of the pair (e.g., one N/S while the other is S/N). It is appreciated that the rotary dial100centers such that the Hall effect sensor is in the middle of the arc between the recessed pockets320-band320-c. It is appreciated that the Hall effect sensor is within the sealed unit205and thus above the top surface305of the rotary dial110.

FIG.26illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of subset of a rotary transducer105-othat includes a rotary dial110, an arm assembly185, the lower housing125, and the mode selection screws195. As illustrated, the lower housing125includes an axial cylinder410that protrudes from the center of the lower housing125and acts as the axle about which the arm assembly185and the rotary dial110rotate.

The arm assembly185includes two separate arm assemblies185-aand185-bthat are coupled together with a spring190(not shown inFIG.26) but otherwise rotate independently from each other about the axial cylinder410. Each arm assembly185-aor185-bincludes an annulus (for rotating around the axial cylinder410of the lower housing125, for example) with two extending lengths within one hemisphere. One of the extending lengths interfaces with a corresponding protrusion420in the lower housing125. The protrusion420stops the extending length and thus the arm assembly (185-aor185-b) from rotating past a center position. The other extending length of the arm assembly (185-aor185-b) interfaces directly with the rotary dial110as illustrated inFIG.34.

The spring190in combination with the arm assemblies185-aand185-band the protrusions420defines a center position. That is, each arm assembly185-aand185-bis stopped from rotating together by the respective protrusions420, though being drawn together by the spring190. Each arm assembly185-aand185-bis in contact with the rotating dial110, which in combination with the spring tension provided by spring190serves to center the rotating dial110in this center position (e.g., relative to the sealed unit205).

When the rotary dial110is rotated in either direction, the corresponding arm assembly (185-aor185-b) engages or is already in contact with the rotary dial110, and rotates with the rotary dial110. Since each arm assembly (185-aor185-b) is prevented from moving towards center as a result of the protrusions420(e.g.,420-aor420-b), only one of the arm assemblies185-aor185-brotates with the rotary dial110(i.e., the arm assembly185-aor185-bon the side that is away from the center position). Because one arm assembly185-aor185-bis prevented from going toward center, the spring190is increasingly stretched (with increasing spring pressure, for example) as the other arm assembly185-aor185-bis rotated increasingly away from the center position. It is appreciated that level of acceleration and/or deceleration increases as the arm assembly185-aor185-brotated away from the center position (in relation to the increase in spring tension/pressure, for example). In some embodiments, the level of acceleration and/or deceleration increases exponentially as the arm assembly185-aor185-bis rotated increasingly away from the center position. This variable change based on the amount of deflections from the center position enables fine tuned acceleration and/or deceleration control outputs (e.g., control commands) based on the position of the rotary dial110.

If the rotary dial110is released the spring pressure from the spring190would draw the respective assembly arm185-aor185-b(and the rotary dial110which is engaged with the arm assembly185-aor185-b) towards the center position. To the extent that the rotary dial110is rotated in the other direction, the other arm assembly185-aor185-binterfaces with the rotary dial110to effect the same increasing resistance and centering action of the rotary dial110. In some embodiments, the axial cylinder410may be greased with a dampening grease that dampens the centering action provided by the spring190.

The mode selection screws195-aand195-bmay be inserted into the mode selection holes415-aand415-bto change rotary transducer105modes between acceleration only (e.g., the rotary dial110can only rotate in one direction (i.e., to the right for acceleration)) and bi-directional acceleration/deceleration (e.g., the rotary dial110can rotate in both direction (i.e., both to the right for acceleration and to the left for deceleration (via regenerative braking, for example)). The interaction between the mode selection screws195-aand195-band the arm assemblies185-aand185-bis described more fully below.

FIG.27illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lower housing125-a. The lower housing125includes an axial cylinder410that protrudes from the center of the lower housing125, two corresponding protrusions420-a,420-bthat act as limiters for the arm assemblies185(to define a center limit, that prevents the arm assembly from rotating any closer towards the center position, for example). The lower housing125also includes mode selection holes415-aand415-b.

The mode selection holes415-a,415-bare strategically placed to properly select between the two operational modes (e.g., single directional acceleration only and bi-directional acceleration/deceleration). As illustrated, one mode selection hole415-bis located in the back, out of the way of the arm assemblies185and thus any interference with the movement of the arm assemblies (at least with respect to the normal rotational range of the arm assemblies185. As illustrated, the other mode selection hole415-ais directly in the path of the arm assembly185that engages with the protrusion420-b. In some embodiments, the mode selection hole415-ais positioned such that a mode selection screw that protrudes above the lower housing125would interface with the arm assembly185that interfaces with the protrusion420-band between the protrusion420-band such mode selection screw (e.g., screw195-a) would completely prevent that arm assembly185from moving in either direction (accordingly, preventing the rotary dial110from rotating in that direction, as is the case with a throttle only mode, for example).

In some embodiments, the axial cylinder410may be notched or otherwise differentiated, as illustrated, so that the lower housing125may be affixed to the upper housing (e.g., upper housing120) in a manner that prevents the lower housing125to rotate with respect to the upper housing. Although not shown, the upper housing may include a corresponding notch or differentiation to affix the lower housing125in an immovable (e.g., un-rotatable manner) to the upper housing.

FIG.28illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a subset of a rotary transducer105-p. As illustrated, the rotary transducer105includes a lower housing125, a first arm assembly185-a, a second arm assembly185-b, and a spring190that couples the first arm assembly185-aand the second arm assembly185-b. As illustrated, both the first arm assembly185-aand the second arm assembly185-bare in the center position. In this center position, the first arm assembly185-ais engaged with the protrusion420-b, which prevents the first arm assembly185-afrom moving any closer to the center, and the second arm assembly185-bis engaged with the protrusion420-a, which prevents the second arm assembly185-bfrom moving any closer to the center. In this arrangement, the spring190provides constant spring tension between the first arm assembly185-aand the second arm assembly185-b, which holds the arm assemblies185-aand185-bin this center position.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the extending lengths of each arm assembly185are configured to engage and/or interface with the corresponding protrusion420so that the protrusion420defines the full range of motion (e.g., range of rotation) of each arm assembly185. For example, one extending length of the first arm assembly185-ais engaged with protrusion240-band if the first arm assembly185-ais rotated to its max the other extending length of the first arm assembly185-awould be engaged with the with the protrusion420-b, thus confining the rotational range of the first arm assembly185-abased on the angular sweep of the two extending lengths of the first arm assembly185-a. It is appreciated that the same applies to the second arm assembly185-bwith respect to the protrusion420-a.

As illustrated, the mode selection hole415-ais adjacent to the extending length of the first arm assembly185-a, and is thus positioned to enable the first arm assembly185-ato be affixed in place and (e.g., not rotatable if an interfering mode selection screw (e.g., mode selection screw195-a) is inserted into the mode selection hole415-a. As a result of the rotation limits defined by the angular sweep of the extending lengths of the arm assemblies185and the positioning of the protrusions420, the other mode selection hole415-bis out of rotational range of either of the arm assemblies.

FIG.29illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of mode selection screw195-a,195-b. The pair of mode selection screws195-a,195-bare inherently different so as to enable the configuration between different modes. Both mode selection screws195include a screw head505, machine threads510, and a top surface520. As illustrated, the first mode selection screw195-aincludes a protruding section515between the machine threads510and the top surface520-awhile the second mode selection screw195-bincludes only the machine threads510and a top surface520-bsuch that the top surface520-bof the second mode selection screw195-bis adjacent with the machine threads510.

In some embodiments, the depth of the machine threads510corresponds with the depth of the lower housing (e.g., lower housing125) so that the top surface520-bof the second mode selection screw195-bis flush with an internal surface of the lower housing, while the protruding section515and the top surface520-aof the first mode selection screw195-aextends above an internal surface of the lower housing and is intentionally designed to protrude and interfere with the rotation of am arm assembly (e.g., arm assembly185-a). The use and different configurations of the first and second mode selection screws195is illustrated inFIGS.30-33.

FIG.30illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-qin which the lower housing125is shown and the mode selection screws195are configured in a first mode (e.g., acceleration only mode). As illustrated inFIG.30, the first mode selection screw (mode selection screw195-a) is inserted into a first mode selection hole (mode selection hole415-a) and the second mode selection screw (mode selection screw195-b) is inserted into a second mode selection hole (mode selection hole415-b). In this embodiment, the protruding cylinder515and the top surface520-aof the first mode selection screw protrude above the surface of the lower housing125while the top surface520-bof the second mode selection screw is flush with the surface of the lower housing125.

FIG.31illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-rin which the lower housing125and the arm assemblies185-aand185-bare shown and the mode selection screws195are configured in a first mode (e.g., acceleration only mode). InFIG.31, the mode selection screws195are installed in the lower housing125as illustrated inFIG.30. As illustrated inFIG.31, the protruding section515of the first mode selection screw (mode selection screw195-a) engages with a first extending length185-a-1of the first arm assembly185-a, which in combination with the protrusion420-bengaging with a second extending length185-a-2of the first arm assembly185-alocks the first arm assembly185-ain place. In this embodiment, with the first arm assembly185-alocked in place, the only rotation that is possible is with the second arm assembly185-b, thus enabling a one direction only mode (e.g., an acceleration only mode). It is appreciated that the top section520-bof the second mode selection screw195-bis flush with the internal surface of the lower housing125. In this mode, the second mode selection screw195-bis irrelevant to the operation of the arm assemblies185-aand185-b, and thus the operation of the rotary transducer105.

FIG.32illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-sin which the lower housing125is shown and the mode selection screws195are configured in a second mode (e.g., bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode). As illustrated inFIG.32, the second mode selection screw (mode selection screw195-bis inserted into a first mode selection hole (mode selection hole415-a) and the first mode selection screw (mode selection screw195-a) is inserted into a second mode selection hole (mode selection hole415-b). In this embodiment, the protruding cylinder515and the top surface520-aof the first mode selection screw protrude above the surface of the lower housing125while the top surface520-bof the second mode selection screw is flush with the surface of the lower housing125.

FIG.33illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-rin which the lower housing125and the arm assemblies185-aand185-bare shown, and the mode selection screws195are configured in a second mode (e.g., bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode). InFIG.33, the mode selection screws195are installed in the lower housing125as illustrated inFIG.32. As illustrated inFIG.33, the protruding section515of the first mode selection screw (mode selection screw195-a) protrudes but is non-interfering with either of the arm assemblies185-a,185-bbecause of its location in the back and opposite to the centering point. The top surface520-bof second mode selection screw195-b, as illustrated, is flush with the surface of the lower housing125and as such is non-interfering with the first extending length185-a-1of the first arm assembly185-a.

In this mode, both of the first mode selection screw195-aand the second mode selection screw195-bare non-interfering and thus irrelevant to the operation of the arm assemblies185-aand185-b, and thus the operation of the rotary transducer105. As a result, both the first arm assembly185-aand the second arm assembly185-bare rotatable within the bounds defined by the respective protrusions420-a,420-b. In this embodiment, with the first arm assembly185-arotatable and the second arm assembly185-b, the rotary dial110of the rotary transducer105can be rotated in either direction, thus enabling a bi-direction mode (e.g., a bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode).

FIG.34illustrates a perspective view of how the arm assemblies185interface with the rotary dial110in an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-u. As illustrated inFIG.34, the dial body310of the rotary dial (e.g., rotary dial110) includes a first interfacing protrusion380-athat interfaces with a first extending length185-a-1of the first arm assembly185-aand a second interfacing protrusion380-bthat interfaces with a first extending length185-b-1of the second arm assembly185-b. In some embodiments, the first interfacing protrusion380-aand the second interfacing protrusion380-bare spaced to accommodate the spacing between the first extending length185-a-1of the first arm assembly185-aand the first extending length185-b-1of the second arm assembly185-b. By matching the spacing between the interfacing protrusions380and the centered spacing of the arms assembly185, any dead zone in the centered (e.g., default position) may be minimized or eliminated. In the case of rotation of the rotary dial110, the interfacing protrusion380(e.g., interfacing protrusion380-b) that is pushing the arm assembly185(e.g., arm assembly185-b) that is being rotated will remain in contact (e.g., engaged with) while the other interfacing protrusion380(e.g., interfacing protrusion380-a), as it is part of the dial body310that is rotating will separate from the arm assembly185(e.g., arm assembly185-athat is not moving (e.g., is being left behind).

FIG.35illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transducer105-vfrom a front perspective view. As described herein, the rotary dial110may be rotated by a user. In an acceleration only mode, as selected by the mode selection screws (e.g., mode selection screws195), the rotary dial110may be rotated in only a single direction (e.g., throttle only). In a bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode, as selected by the mode selection screws (e.g., mode selection screws195), the rotary dial110may be rotated in both directions (e.g., selectively increasing acceleration by rotating in a first direction, and selectively increasing deceleration by rotating in the other direction). The amount of deflection of the rotary dial110from its center position may be visually indicated using one or more LED lights within the sealed unit205and is visible through the indicator window115. Accordingly, the rotary dial105may be used in multiple modes through the strategic use of the mode selection screws.

As should be clear from the above description, the dimensions of the magnets, the magnetization orientation, the position, and the angle all affect the system voltage output and linearity. In addition, the selection of the material and the placement of the materials also affect the magnetic field. For example, a sealed unit made from a ferreous metal would affect the whole system. The selection and placement of materials is guided by the description above.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.