Dual-Mode Haptic Actuator Merging Vibration and Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic feedback systems in electronic devices face challenges in space-saving and cost-effectiveness due to the need for both impact and vibration type actuators, which are difficult to integrate efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode haptic actuator that combines a vibration mechanism and a striking mechanism, utilizing a coil, magnet, and movable element to provide both steady and transient vibrations by adjusting the driving voltage, allowing for different haptic feedback characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both impact type and vibration type haptic actuators are disposed in a chassis, then diverse haptic feedback characteristics can be provided, but space consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both impact type and vibration type haptic actuator functions into a single integrated haptic actuator. The actuator includes a vibration mechanism with a movable element that can operate in two modes: vibration mode for steady vibrations and impact mode for transient vibrations. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators, reducing space consumption while maintaining diverse haptic feedback capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single haptic actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between vibration mode and impact mode. The vibration mechanism can generate steady vibrations for notifications and transient vibrations for tactile feedback, making one component universal for multiple haptic feedback scenarios. This multi-functionality allows diverse haptic characteristics from a single actuator, reducing both space and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If both impact type and vibration type haptic actuators are disposed in a chassis, then diverse haptic feedback characteristics can be provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate actuators (impact type and vibration type) into one integrated haptic actuator. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to provide diverse haptic feedback characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal haptic actuator that can operate in both vibration mode and impact mode, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and stock two different types of actuators. This single-component solution simplifies the supply chain, reduces inventory complexity, and lowers overall manufacturing costs while providing diverse haptic feedback options
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 efficient space utilization and cost-effectiveness by providing a haptic feedback system that can deliver both steady and strong, transient vibrations, enhancing user experience with varied tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration mechanism includes a coil, a magnet that forms a magnetic field around the coil, and a movable element that performs a reciprocating operation in directions along an axis of vibration in response to an application of a first driving voltage to the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic actuator for generating haptic feedbacks to provide perceptions of different characteristics is provided. The haptic actuator includes a vibration mechanism and a striking mechanism. The vibration mechanism, in response to a receipt of a predetermined electric power, applies a steady vibration to a vibrating body. The striking mechanism, in response to the receipt of an electric power larger than the predetermined electric power, strikes the vibrating body in order to provide a haptic feedback to the vibrating body. The haptic actuator is able to apply a vibration according to the vibration mechanism and a vibration according to the striking mechanism to the vibrating body.