Electromagnetic Haptic Actuator with Compressible Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic actuators in VR and AR systems face challenges in providing realistic tactile interactions, such as fixed frequency limitations, mechanical wear, high power consumption, and fragility, which hinder the simulation of interactions with various virtual objects and practical long-term usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of electromagnetic haptic actuators with a wideband frequency response, low power consumption, tunable output force, and skin conformability, integrated with textiles and flexible surfaces, utilizing an inductive coil, compressible structures, and magnets to simulate soft touch experiences and interactions with virtual objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional haptic actuators are used in VR and AR systems, then tactile feedback can be provided, but the actuators suffer from fixed frequency limitations, mechanical wear, high power consumption, and fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic actuator systems with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic actuator uses an inductive coil and magnet to generate electromagnetic forces that actuate the haptic feedback, eliminating mechanical contact points and moving parts that cause wear and frequency limitations. This substitution enables a wideband frequency response while improving reliability and reducing mechanical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs compressible structures with varying material properties and configurations to modify the mechanical characteristics of the haptic actuator. By changing the compression characteristics, material density, and structural geometry of the compressible layers, the system achieves tunable output force and wideband frequency response while maintaining low power consumption and high reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic actuators with wideband frequency response are developed, then realistic tactile interactions with various virtual objects can be simulated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where compressible materials are integrated within the actuator assembly, with multiple layers of compressible material having different properties nested together. This nested configuration allows the complex functionality of wideband frequency response and tunable output force to be achieved within a compact form factor, managing device complexity while enhancing tactile interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining different compressible materials with varying mechanical properties within the actuator. These composite structures enable the system to achieve wideband frequency response and tunable output force characteristics without requiring overly complex mechanical designs, as the material composition itself provides the necessary functional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If compressible structures are used to enable magnet movement relative to the inductive coil, then soft touch experiences can be simulated, but the structures require careful material selection and integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible compressible structures such as foam layers, elastomeric materials, and thin film elements to enable magnet movement relative to the inductive coil. These flexible components provide the necessary compliance for soft touch experiences while being amenable to standard manufacturing processes like adhesive bonding and lamination, thereby balancing ease of operation with ease of manufacture.
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
These actuators enable realistic tactile feedback, providing varied tactile experiences based on virtual object properties, with improved durability and efficiency, suitable for wearable devices and soft robotics applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coil, a layer of a first compressible material positioned adjacent to the inductive coil and transverse to an axis of the inductive coil, and a magnet positioned on the layer of compressible material such that the magnet is movable relative to the inductive coil via compression of the layer of the compressible material upon application of a control signal to the inductive coil
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to haptic actuators. One disclosed example provides a haptic actuator including an inductive coil, a layer of a compressible material positioned adjacent to the inductive coil and transverse to an axis of the inductive coil, and a magnet positioned on the layer of compressible material such that the magnet is movable relative to the inductive coil via compression of the layer of the compressible material upon application of a control signal to the inductive coil. Another example provides an article including a textile formed at least partially from a yarn including a core and a conductor wound around the core to form an inductive coil, and a magnetic object integrated with the textile at a position transverse to a direction of a magnetic field formed by the inductive coil.