Actuator Driver Circuit Resonance Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic actuators in electronic devices face challenges in efficiently tracking resonance frequency without interrupting operation, leading to increased power consumption and delayed haptic feedback due to unpredictable resonance frequency changes caused by environmental factors and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
An actuator driver circuit that continuously tracks resonance frequency by detecting phase differences between voltage and current signals, allowing for real-time adjustment of oscillating signals to maintain optimal power consumption and uninterrupted haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional haptic actuator driving methods are used, then the actuator can operate, but power consumption increases and haptic feedback timing is delayed due to inability to track resonance frequency changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the driver circuit continuously monitors the phase difference between voltage and current signals at the actuator terminals. When the phase difference indicates deviation from resonance frequency, the circuit automatically adjusts the driving frequency to track resonance, thereby minimizing power consumption while maintaining simple circuit architecture through intelligent control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the driving frequency parameter based on detected phase difference. By continuously adjusting the frequency to match the actuator's resonance frequency, the system optimizes power consumption without requiring complex hardware modifications, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If resonance frequency tracking is implemented by interrupting actuator operation, then frequency can be detected, but haptic feedback is delayed and operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous resonance frequency tracking by monitoring phase difference between voltage and current signals during normal actuator operation. This allows the system to detect resonance frequency changes without interrupting the haptic feedback delivery, eliminating time loss while maintaining measurement precision through ongoing phase analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses phase difference as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect resonance frequency. By measuring the phase relationship between voltage and current rather than directly measuring frequency, the system can track resonance continuously during operation without interruption, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and time loss
3Device complexity
If fixed frequency driving is used, then circuit operation is simple, but power consumption increases due to resonance frequency drift from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop that continuously monitors phase difference between voltage and current signals. When environmental factors cause resonance frequency drift, the feedback mechanism detects the phase change and automatically adjusts the driving frequency, maintaining power efficiency without significantly increasing circuit complexity through intelligent adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed-frequency driving approach into a dynamic system that automatically adapts to environmental changes. By making the driving frequency variable and responsive to phase difference measurements, the circuit maintains simplicity while achieving power consumption optimization through dynamic adjustment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous operation of haptic actuators at resonance frequency, reducing power consumption and ensuring synchronized haptic feedback with audio output, enhancing user experience in gaming and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
detect a phase of a voltage signal at the at least one output of the driver, detect a phase of a current signal at the at least one output of the driver, determine a phase difference between the phase of the voltage signal and the phase of the current signal
Implementation Method 2
adjust a frequency of an oscillating signal for the driver, based at least in part on the phase difference... driving the actuator at the adjusted frequency of the oscillating signal
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for driving haptic actuators. An example actuator driver circuit generally includes a driver and calibration circuitry. The driver has at least one output for coupling to at least one input of an actuator. The calibration circuitry is configured to: detect a phase of a voltage signal at the at least one output of the driver, detect a phase of a current signal at the at least one output of the driver, determine a phase difference between the phase of the voltage signal and the phase of the current signal, and adjust a frequency of an oscillating signal for the driver, based at least in part on the phase difference.