Mechamagnets

Mechamagnets is an approach for rapidly prototyping haptic and functional physical interfaces through desktop 3D printing and embedded static magnets.

Through Mechamagnets, designers have an efficient means of detailing the physical form, function and haptics of physical interfaces. This is achieved with 3D printed parts with embedded magnets that move in a various degrees of freedom. The configuration of magnets enable different passive haptic responses. These same magnets also participate in the instrumentation of the physical interface with the help of linear Hall effect sensors.

Authors
Clement Zheng
Jeeeun Kim
Daniel Leithinger
Mark D Gross
Ellen Yi-Luen Do

TEI 2019

Paper

Magnets embedded in this 3D printed button provide haptic feedback and Hall effect sensing.

Assembling example inputs

Mechamagnets design and fabrication

Blending physical inputs

Embedding haptic movements

Tangible input devices