Handle Vibrating Bodies Directional Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair dryers, facial care devices, and hair irons lack guidance on optimal movement, leading to potential damage or inefficiency during use, as they do not provide users with feedback on the direction of movement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a handle with a first and second vibrating body, along with a control device that generates distinct force sensations in different directions, allowing the user to feel when the device should be translated or rotated, based on temperature, pressure, or distance sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple vibrating bodies are added to provide directional force sensation, then the user can be guided on optimal movement direction, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser guidance on movement directionVSAvoidnumber of vibrating bodies

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple vibrating bodies that generate mechanical vibrations to create force sensations in different directions. By controlling the vibration patterns of these bodies, the device provides tactile feedback guiding the user on optimal movement directions without requiring complex visual or auditory interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback system is segmented into multiple independent vibrating bodies, each capable of generating force sensations in specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to provide directional guidance by selectively activating different vibrating bodies, resolving the contradiction by making the complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If vibration patterns are controlled to provide translation guidance, then the user can be notified of optimal translation movement, but the risk of providing rotation sensation increases if not properly configured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation movement guidanceVSAvoidaccuracy of movement guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the handle are equipped with vibrating bodies that have specific vibration characteristics tailored to their location. The control device adjusts vibration patterns locally to ensure that the combined effect provides clear translation guidance without accidentally creating rotation sensations, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the user's holding position and movement state, then provides real-time haptic feedback through the vibrating bodies. This feedback loop allows the control device to dynamically adjust vibration patterns to guide translation movement accurately while preventing misleading rotation sensations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides users with tactile feedback on the optimal movement of the device, reducing the risk of damage and improving efficiency by guiding the user on when to adjust the device's position or movement.

Implementation Method 1

a first vibrating body disposed in the housing, a second vibrating body disposed in the housing, and a control device capable of generating a first force sensation in a first direction by controlling a vibration pattern of the first vibrating body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20240157539A1Handle, hair dryer, facial care device, and hair iron

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A handle includes a housing that includes a first vibrating body and a second vibrating body. A control device is able to generate a first force sensation in a first direction by controlling a vibration pattern of the first vibrating body and to generate a second force sensation in a second direction by controlling a vibration pattern of the second vibrating body. The control device is able to control so as to set the first direction and the second direction are the same. The control device is able to control the vibration pattern of the first vibrating body and the vibration pattern of the second vibrating body so as not to allow a virtual line directed from the first vibrating body in the first direction and a virtual line directed from the second vibrating body in the second direction to be positioned on a single line.