Taxonomy

Mechamagnets Taxonomy

This taxonomy maps the basic physical input models afforded by Mechamagnets. It was developed by crossing 5 spatial constraints optimized for FDM printing, with 6 haptic profiles via static magnets.

Spatial Constraints

Mass-produced physical inputs typically employ injection molding and automated assembly lines. Their designs rely on a high degree of manufacturing tolerance that is unattainable with FDM. As such, rather than mimic the construction of commercial components, we developed Mechamagnets by deconstructing existing physical inputs into simpler models.

linear	angular	polar	planar	radial

Haptic Mechanisms

Commercial inputs rely on an assembly of different components to deliver haptic feedback and mechanical behavior. For instance, a mechanical keyboard button uses contact leaves to generate a “click” when it is pressed (haptic feedback), and a spring to push it back to its original position (mechanical behavior). In Mechamagnets, we investigated using only static magnets and 3D printing to specify different unpowered haptic feedback as well as mechanical behaviors of inputs.

Taxonomy

	attracting center	repelling center	attracting steps	repelling steps	attracting end	repelling end
Linear	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360
angular	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360
polar	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360
planar	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360	STL Files Fusion 360
radial	STL Files Fusion 360		STL Files Fusion 360