Logitech International S.A.
Electromagnetic mode change of peripheral interface wheel

Abstract:

A user input device including a rotary input control having a wheel and an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly, the EPM assembly comprising a permanent magnet and a magnetizing assembly configured to control a polarization of the permanent magnet to transition the electropermanent magnet assembly from a first state in which the EPM assembly applies a first resistance profile to the wheel and a second state in which the EPM assembly applies a second resistance profile to the wheel. The EPM assembly includes magnetically conductive members positioned at opposing ends of the electropermanent magnet, each magnetically conductive member comprising a respective plurality of teeth protruding radially toward the wheel, and each of the magnetically conductive members comprising a respective magnetic pole depending on a polarized state of the EPM assembly.