Haptic Actuator With Folded Beam And Slidably Coupled Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic actuators in electronic devices face challenges in providing increased force feedback while maintaining a compact size, as existing designs often compromise between force and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator design featuring a housing with permanent magnets, a field member with coils and masses, and biasing members, which includes a unique configuration of shafts and mechanical bearings to enhance force transmission and reduce height, allowing for more robust haptic feedback in a smaller form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing haptic actuator designs are used to provide force feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but the device occupies significant space and height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement of haptic components to a folded configuration where the beam element creates a compact structure. By introducing a folded geometry with the beam extending in multiple directions rather than a single line, the actuator achieves reduced height and footprint while maintaining the necessary stroke length and force generation capability. The folded beam creates a three-dimensional arrangement that packs more functional length into a smaller volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the coil assembly within the hollow interior of the beam element. The beam structure serves as a housing that contains the coil, magnet assembly, and other components. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate housings and allows components to be positioned within the structural elements already present, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining structural integrity and force transmission pathways.
2Volume of moving object
If haptic actuator size is reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but force feedback capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic actuator into distinct functional segments: a beam element for force transmission, a coil assembly for actuation, a magnet assembly for field generation, and a hollow interior for component housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a compact arrangement. The beam is segmented into regions for different mechanical functions, and the magnetic circuit is segmented into discrete magnet assemblies, enabling efficient space utilization without sacrificing force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction where the beam element combines structural support functions with magnetic circuit functions. The beam is configured to provide both mechanical strength for force transmission and magnetic pathways for flux circulation. This composite approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the total number of parts and overall device volume while maintaining or enhancing force feedback capability through optimized material properties and geometric configuration.
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 design achieves increased force haptic feedback and reduced size, enabling more effective tactile communication in electronic devices, such as mobile wireless communications devices, by optimizing the arrangement of magnets, coils, and biasing members to enhance momentum and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a field member carried by the housing. The field member may include at least one coil between the first and second permanent magnets
Implementation Method 2
a first set of biasing members between the first end of the field member and the housing and a second set of biasing members between the second end of the field member and the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic actuator may include a housing having a top and a bottom, and first and second permanent magnets carried by the top and bottom, respectively, of the housing. The haptic actuator may also include a field member carried by the housing. The field member may include a coil between the first and second permanent magnets, first and second ends, and a first mass between the first end and the coil, and a second mass between the second end and the coil. A first shaft may slidably couple the first mass to the housing, and a second shaft may slidably couple the second mass to the housing. The haptic actuator may also include a first set of biasing members between the first end of the field member and the housing and a second set of biasing members between the second end of the field member and the housing.