Gap-Separated Flat-Spring Shaker for Compact Low-Frequency Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact electronic devices face challenges in integrating acoustic components that can generate low-frequency sounds and vibrations due to limited space, making it difficult to provide effective low-frequency audio output and haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A shaker module is designed with two layers of flat springs separated by a vertical gap, allowing linear actuation perpendicular to the plane while preventing rocking and in-plane movement, which is mounted within the electronic device to generate low-frequency audio output and provide haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional acoustic components are integrated into compact electronic devices, then device functionality is improved, but low-frequency sound generation capability deteriorates due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar speaker designs to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple acoustic components arranged vertically. This dimensional change allows low-frequency and high-frequency drivers to be stacked one above the other, enabling effective low-frequency sound generation in compact devices by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where acoustic components are positioned within each other's spatial envelope. The low-frequency driver and high-frequency driver are nested vertically, with one component positioned above the other, allowing both components to coexist in a compact volume while maintaining their respective acoustic functions.
2Power
If acoustic components are added to generate low-frequency sounds, then audio output quality is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to arrange acoustic components in the z-dimension rather than spreading them out horizontally. This allows the device to maintain a compact footprint while incorporating multiple acoustic drivers capable of generating low-frequency sounds, effectively moving the expansion from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple acoustic functions into a single integrated module where low-frequency and high-frequency drivers are merged into one compact assembly. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate acoustic components, reducing overall device volume while maintaining comprehensive audio output capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If compact device design is prioritized, then portability is improved, but structural integrity for housing acoustic components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes acoustic components along the vertical dimension rather than concentrating them in a single horizontal plane. This vertical arrangement reduces lateral stress on the device housing and allows for more efficient load distribution, maintaining structural integrity while preserving compact dimensions.
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 shaker module effectively generates and simulates low-frequency sounds and vibrations, enhancing the audio experience and providing tactile feedback in compact electronic devices without compromising structural integrity or increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
two layers of flat springs separated by a vertical gap, the flat springs each extending parallel to a common plane. The two flat springs may be arranged to cooperate to allow linear actuation of the moving element in a direction perpendicular to the common plane and to prevent rocking of the moving element relative to the common plane
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology relate to a shaker module for an electronic device. The shaker module may include a movable component that is resiliently suspended in relation to a voice coil by one or more gap-separated pairs of the flat springs. The flat springs reduce the z-height of the shaker module for implementation in, for example, compact electronic devices. The gap-separated pairs of flat springs facilitate adjustment of the resonance frequency of the shaker module substantially independently of adjustments to drop performance, while providing stability against unwanted rocking motions of the movable component.