Dual Pump Vibration Mode Switching for Fluid and Haptic Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems that reduce motor vibration for electric pumps cannot utilize this vibration in other applications, leading to increased device size, complexity, and cost when a vibration generating unit is required.
Innovation Solution
A pump system comprising a pair of pumps with electromagnetic drive vibration actuators, capable of switching between vibration suppression and generation modes by adjusting the phase difference between the pumps' vibrations, allowing the vibration to be utilized in other applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the vibration of the motor for the electric pump is reduced, then the pump operation becomes smoother and more stable, but it becomes impossible to utilize the vibration in other applications requiring vibration generation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor of the electric pump is designed to serve dual functions: pumping fluid and generating vibration. By controlling the drive frequency to match the resonance frequency of the motor, the system can operate in either pump mode (stable operation) or vibration generation mode (utilizing motor vibration), eliminating the need for separate vibration generation units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes by adjusting the drive frequency of the motor. When the drive frequency matches the resonance frequency, the motor generates strong vibration suitable for notification functions. When operating away from resonance frequency, the motor provides stable pumping performance. This dynamic frequency adjustment enables the motor to adapt to different functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate vibration generating unit is provided together with the electric pump, then vibration generation capability is ensured, but the device size, complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is designed to perform both pumping and vibration generation functions, eliminating the need for a separate vibration generation unit. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity, size, and cost while maintaining both pumping capability and vibration generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generation function is merged with the motor of the electric pump. By utilizing the motor's inherent vibration characteristics and controlling it to operate at resonance frequency, the system combines two functions (pumping and vibration generation) into a single component, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 generation of vibration for additional applications while maintaining the ability to suppress vibration when necessary, thus optimizing device design and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of pumps, each of which contains a vibration actuator vibrated by electromagnetic drive and can discharge fluid due to drive of the vibration actuator
Implementation Method 2
a vibration suppression mode in which the pair of the pumps are driven so that vibration of the vibration actuators of the pair of pumps is cancelled each other
Implementation Method 3
a vibration generation mode in which the pair of the pumps are driven so that the vibration of the vibration actuators of the pair of pumps is superimposed with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A pump system contains a pair of pumps each of which contains a vibration actuator vibrated by electromagnetic drive and can discharge fluid due to drive of the vibration actuator. The pump system has a vibration suppression mode in which the pair of the pumps are driven so that vibration of the vibration actuators of the pair of pumps is cancelled each other and a vibration generation mode in which the pair of the pumps are driven so that the vibration of the vibration actuators of the pair of pumps is superimposed with each other.