Electromagnetic physical force feedback

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a small pad using electromagnets to provide haptic feedback by simulating a pushing sensation against the skin. Participants explore the practical aspects of this idea, including design considerations and potential applications, particularly in wearable technology like gloves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using two electromagnets that repel and attract each other to create a sensation of force against the skin.
  • Questions arise regarding the required range of motion and whether alternative devices, such as speakers or earbuds, could serve a similar purpose.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of powering small electromagnets and the overall size of the device, with comparisons made to phone vibrators.
  • Participants discuss the need for more details about the intended application, such as whether the electromagnets would be part of a larger device like a glove.
  • One participant references a wired glove as a potential model for further exploration, while another questions the lack of use of electromagnets in haptic feedback, suggesting size may be a limiting factor.
  • There is a suggestion that effective force feedback would require very small magnets due to the sensitivity of human fingers and hands.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of uncertainty regarding the practicality of the proposed idea, with no consensus reached on whether the concept is feasible or effective. Multiple competing views on design and implementation remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed specifications regarding the size, power requirements, and intended use of the electromagnets, which could significantly impact the feasibility of the project.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in wearable technology, haptic feedback systems, and the application of electromagnetism in practical devices may find this discussion relevant.

kolleamm
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I want to create a small pad consisting of two electromagnets that repel and attract each other, this can give the feeling that something is pushing up against your skin if held. Is this a practical idea?
 
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What range of motion is required? Would a speaker work?
 
CWatters said:
What range of motion is required? Would a speaker work?
Something very compact and flat, maybe something you could fit on a finger tip. I'm not sure maybe a speaker would work, but perhaps they may be too big?
 
It sounds like a phone vibrator. They are small, and low-powered.

If you have two magents that move, you need something to make them move, and something else to power them like a battery. How small do you think you could make that?
 
A low impedance earbud after removing the part that goes into the ear (both the soft cushion and the hard plastic.) Their will be a metal diaphragm that moves with the applied current; that's what generates the sound. You will probably have to glue the diaphragm onto the case, it is normally held on by the part you removed.
 
kolleamm said:
I want to create a small pad consisting of two electromagnets that repel and attract each other, this can give the feeling that something is pushing up against your skin if held. Is this a practical idea?

There's not really enough details here to say yes or no. What is the purpose of this? What do you mean when you say that it will give the feeling that something is pushing up against your skin? Just holding a rock will give me the feeling that something is pushing against my skin. Will these magnets be part of a larger device, such as a glove or some other apparatus? These kinds of details matter a great deal, as they decide how big these magnets would need to be, how much power they would require, where they would be located, etc.
 
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Drakkith said:
There's not really enough details here to say yes or no. What is the purpose of this? What do you mean when you say that it will give the feeling that something is pushing up against your skin? Just holding a rock will give me the feeling that something is pushing against my skin. Will these magnets be part of a larger device, such as a glove or some other apparatus? These kinds of details matter a great deal, as they decide how big these magnets would need to be, how much power they would require, where they would be located, etc.
Hi, your right about giving more details. Just like you mentioned I would like to use these embedded electromagnets in a glove. The two electromagnets repel each other giving a feeling of force on the users fingers or palm by them pushing up against it, that's the general idea I had in mind. I would like to try to make some electromagnets but thought it be better to ask here first to see if this is practical.

Thanks for all your responses so far
 
anorlunda said:
Is this similar to what you are trying to do?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_glove
Thanks for the link! I will have to do more research on wired gloves for sure now! :) I'm just wondering why nobody uses electromagnets for haptic feedback. Too bulky perhaps?
 
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kolleamm said:
Thanks for the link! I will have to do more research on wired gloves for sure now! :) I'm just wondering why nobody uses electromagnets for haptic feedback. Too bulky perhaps?

Probably. 'Good' force feedback would require very, very small magnets thanks to how sensitive our fingers and hands are.
 

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