Electromagnetic Vibration Assembly for Stronger Haptic Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in effectively transmitting vibrations from a vibration generating device to other components, such as touch panels, due to the need for precise attachment and efficient force transmission.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing, a contact member, and a vibration generating device, where the vibration generating device is fixed to the contact member or housing, with a gap formed between the device and the housing to enhance vibration transmission. The device includes a base, a plate, a coil, and elastic members that work together to generate vibrations by magnetizing and demagnetizing the electromagnet formed with the coil and base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the vibration generating device is directly attached to the housing or contact member, then the vibration force can be transmitted, but the transmission efficiency is insufficient and the vibration is not noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration force transmissionVSAvoidvibration transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary component between the vibration generating device and the contact member. This elastic member mediates the force transmission by being deformed when the plate contacts the contact member, thereby efficiently transmitting the vibration force to the housing. The elastic member acts as a mediator that enhances the coupling between components without requiring direct rigid attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a curved surface configuration where the plate has a curved surface that faces the contact member, and the contact member has a curved surface facing the plate. These curved surfaces are tangent to each other, creating optimal contact geometry for force transmission. The curvature allows for better distribution and transmission of vibration forces compared to flat surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If the vibration generating device is attached to transmit vibration, then vibration can be generated, but the attachment structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration generation capabilityVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the elastic member, which simultaneously serves as a mounting structure for the vibration generating device, a vibration transmission element, and a force coupling mechanism. The elastic member integrates the functions of structural support, vibration transmission, and force mediation, thereby simplifying the overall attachment structure while maintaining vibration generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the plate is spaced apart from the contact member, then the vibration generating device can operate, but the vibration force transmission is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration generation operationVSAvoidvibration force transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic contact mechanism where the plate is positioned to contact the contact member during vibration operation. The elastic member allows the plate to dynamically engage with the contact member during vibration cycles, ensuring force transmission occurs when needed. This dynamic arrangement enables the system to alternate between operational spacing and force transmission contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration allows for efficient transmission of vibrations from the vibration generating device to the electronic device, enhancing user feedback and improving the overall user experience by providing a more noticeable and effective vibration.

Implementation Method 1

the device includes a base, a plate, a coil, and elastic members that work together to generate vibrations by magnetizing and demagnetizing the electromagnet formed with the coil and base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the first elastic member supporting the plate in contact with the contact member urges the plate toward the contact member in the direction away from or closer to the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250112535A1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.04.03 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
  • US20250112535A1 patent drawing
  • US20250112535A1 patent drawing
  • US20250112535A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a housing, a contact member attached to the housing, a plate displaceable with respect to the base, an elastic member supporting the plate with respect to the base. The base, the plate and the elastic member are arranged inside the housing. A magnetic gap is formed with the plate and the base. The plate connects with the contact member.