Electromagnetic Braille Reader Actuators for Low-Power Tactile 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 tactile displays.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic actuators with permanent magnets and coils allows for a high-density tactile display that is inexpensive, virtually unlimited in size, and minimizes power consumption, with user-cleanable enclosures and compact circuitry to support a high-density array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezoelectric actuators are used for tactile display, then tactile output can be achieved, but the device becomes expensive, fragile, and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric mechanical actuators with electromagnetic actuators consisting of permanent magnets and coils. 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, contrasting with expensive piezoelectric actuators. The simplified structure allows for lower-cost manufacturing and easier maintenance.
2Reliability
If piezoelectric actuators are used for tactile display, then tactile output can be achieved, but the response time becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric actuators with electromagnetic actuators that utilize magnetic field interactions between permanent magnets and coils. This substitution enables faster response times because electromagnetic actuation can be rapidly activated and deactivated without the mechanical inertia and response delays inherent in piezoelectric materials.
3Quantity of substance
If high-density tactile display is implemented, then display capacity increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuators use periodic pulsed activation rather than continuous power consumption. The permanent magnets provide holding force without power, and brief pulses activate the coils only when state changes are needed, enabling high-density displays with minimal power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets in each actuator provide self-holding capability without requiring continuous electrical power. The magnetic field maintains the tactile element position automatically, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to each element in the high-density array.
4Area of stationary object
If full-page tactile display is created, then display area increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the full-page display into multiple independent modular units, each containing its own electromagnetic actuators with permanent magnets and coils. This segmentation allows the large display to be constructed from repeating simple modules, reducing overall system complexity while enabling large display areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator design uses universal components (permanent magnets, coils, and tactile elements) that can be replicated across the entire display area. This universality simplifies manufacturing and system design compared to using different actuator types for different display regions.
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
The electromagnetic actuators provide a robust, reliable, and affordable solution that overcomes size and cost limitations, enabling full-page displays with minimal power usage and easy maintenance, suitable for both tactile output and input interactions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic forces and actuators to move a series of tactile elements
Implementation Method 2
Electromagnetic actuators with permanent magnets and coils allows for a high-density tactile display
Data Source
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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.