Today’s Patent – Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) rotary damper for adaptive user input device

The said invention (US11599136B1) was invented by Jason Scott Morrison, patented by USPTO on 11-01-2022. Currently, it stands assigned to Dell Products LP.

Information handling systems are designed to process, store, and communicate information for various personal and business purposes. These systems are highly versatile, catering to different user needs, such as financial transactions, airline reservations, and global communications. User input devices, like gaming controllers, play a key role in interacting with such systems. Traditional gaming controllers feature multiple buttons and control sticks that provide input for applications like video games, enabling users to control characters or settings. However, conventional controllers lack adaptive feedback mechanisms that enhance user experience based on real-time application events or user interactions.

This invention introduces a gaming controller with adaptive feedback through controllable resistance mechanisms, such as rotary dampers, that provide variable resistance torque to the joystick. These mechanisms allow real-time adjustments based on user input, application events, or predefined schedules, enhancing precision and immersion. The controller incorporates processors and interfaces (wired or wireless) for dynamic feedback control across multiple axes. This advancement ensures a more interactive and responsive experience, setting a new standard for user input devices in gaming and other applications requiring precise control.