Braille Display Terminal Pin Actuation via Piezoelectric Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blind individuals rely heavily on manual input for braille display terminals, limiting their independence in accessing information, as existing systems require assistance for data entry and are not conveniently integrated with data collection and communication technologies.

Innovation Solution

A braille display terminal and system that includes a communication module, control module, and braille display module with pin-driving assemblies, enabling automatic display of information through piezoelectric units and motors, and integration with wearable devices for data collection and voice recognition, allowing for independent acquisition of information such as navigation, environmental, and weather data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input is used for braille display terminals, then simplicity of device structure is maintained, but independence of visually impaired users in accessing information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence of visually impaired usersVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input with automatic information acquisition through sensors and communication modules. The braille display terminal now receives information automatically from external devices or environmental sensors, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the braille display terminal including information display, data collection through sensors, wireless communication, and voice recognition. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate independently without manual input while keeping the overall system compact and integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If automatic information display is implemented, then independence of visually impaired users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic information displayVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the automatic information display system into distinct functional modules: communication module for data reception, control module for processing, braille display module for output, and sensor modules for environmental data collection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested modular architecture where the braille display module contains pin-driving assemblies with piezoelectric units, the control module processes information from multiple sources, and the entire system is integrated with communication and sensing capabilities. This nested structure manages complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Speed

If piezoelectric units are used for pin actuation, then response speed is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin actuation response speedVSAvoidenergy consumption of pin-driving assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses piezoelectric units that convert electrical energy to mechanical displacement on demand for pin actuation. The piezoelectric effect provides rapid response when voltage is applied, and the units return to neutral position when power is removed, creating periodic action that is energy-efficient for display refresh operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 visually impaired users to autonomously access and read information in braille format, enhancing convenience and independence by integrating data collection and communication capabilities with the braille display terminal.

Implementation Method 1

the plurality of pin-driving assemblies may be a plurality of piezoelectric units. When a voltage is applied to a piezo unit based on the control signal, the piezo unit expands in volume, and drives a pin corresponding to the piezo unit to raise above the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

each of the plurality of pin-driving assemblies may include one or more rotating shafts and a motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3335404B1Braille display terminal, system and method
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3335404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3335404B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3335404B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The present invention provides a braille display module, terminal and system. The braille display terminal may include a communication module, a control module, and a braille display module. In operation, the communication module may receive to-be-displayed information and send it to the control module. The control module may generate control signals corresponding to the to-be-displayed information and send it to the braille display module. The braille display module may display the information in braille based on the control signals. Therefore, the visually impaired users may automatically acquire desired information.