Electromagnetic Braille Reader Latching for Dense Low-Power Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile displays, particularly those using piezoelectric actuators, are limited by high cost, fragility, slow response times, and require frequent maintenance, making them unsuitable for high-density and power-efficient full-page braille displays.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic actuators with permanent magnets and coils for latching, allowing for a high-density tactile display that is inexpensive, compact, and low-power, with user-cleanable enclosures and integrated circuitry to minimize signal and thermal output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezoelectric actuators are used for tactile display, then tactile elements can be actuated, but the display becomes expensive, fragile, and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric actuators with electromagnetic actuators consisting of a coil and permanent magnet. This substitution eliminates the fragility and maintenance issues of piezoelectric materials while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost through the use of standard electromagnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator design uses inexpensive permanent magnets and coils that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on expensive and fragile piezoelectric crystals that require specialized handling and maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If high-density tactile array is implemented, then display resolution improves, but number of signals and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into integrated circuitry that shares power management resources across the high-density array. The electromagnetic actuators use pulsed power delivery where the coil is energized only momentarily to switch the magnet between states, rather than requiring continuous power, thereby enabling high density with controlled power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuators utilize periodic pulsed signaling to control each tactile element, where brief current pulses through the coil switch the permanent magnet between raised and lowered states. This periodic action minimizes average power consumption compared to continuous actuation while maintaining high display resolution.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electromagnetic actuators are used, then power consumption decreases, but magnetic field interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and confines the magnetic field generation to localized regions around each permanent magnet and coil pair. By isolating each actuator's magnetic field to its immediate vicinity, interference between adjacent actuators is minimized while maintaining low power consumption through efficient electromagnetic coupling.
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 the creation of a high-density, virtually unlimited-size tactile display that is affordable, reliable, and efficient, with minimal power consumption, allowing for seamless interaction and integration with ICT devices and assistive technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator may be used to control raising and lowering of tactile elements
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic actuators with permanent magnets and coils for latching
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments devices suitable for use as electro magnetic refreshable braille readers are disclosed. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic refreshable braille readers of the present disclosure include an actuation mechanism comprising a permanent magnet for latching and a coil adjacent to the magnet. In some embodiments the electromagnetic refreshable braille readers may comprise a separate enclosure comprising tactile elements that can be removably attached to the display so that the separate enclosure can be removed and cleaned by the user.