Haptic Actuator Using Corner-Contact Jig for Displacement Amplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Piezoelectric elements used in haptic actuators have limited maximum displacement, restricting their ability to generate high-intensity vibrations, which affects the resolution and effectiveness of haptic feedback in virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator design featuring a square piezoelectric element coupled with a jig member that amplifies displacement by contacting only the corners of the element, utilizing a geometric structure with specific ratios and curvatures to maximize vibrational acceleration and displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a piezoelectric element is used to generate haptic effects, then fast response time and high resolution are achieved, but maximum displacement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A jig member is introduced as an intermediary between the piezoelectric element and the vibration transmission structure. The jig member includes a center part spaced apart from the piezoelectric element and edge parts contacting the corners, serving as a mediator to amplify and transmit the limited piezoelectric displacement to generate higher vibrational acceleration while preserving the fast response and high resolution characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The jig member utilizes a three-dimensional geometric structure with the center part positioned at a specific distance from the piezoelectric element and edge parts extending to contact the corners. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the structure to amplify displacement effectively, converting the limited one-dimensional piezoelectric movement into enhanced multi-dimensional vibration
2Use of energy by moving object
If the same voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, then power consumption is controlled, but vibrational intensity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the structural parameters of the jig member, specifically optimizing the distance between the center part and the piezoelectric element, and the geometry of the edge parts. By adjusting these physical parameters, the structure amplifies the vibrational intensity generated by the piezoelectric element under the same applied voltage, achieving higher power output without increasing energy consumption
3Length of moving object
If a jig member contacts only corners of the piezoelectric element, then displacement amplification is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jig member employs an asymmetric design where the center part is positioned at a specific distance from the piezoelectric element center, and the edge parts are configured to contact only the corner regions. This asymmetric geometric configuration creates mechanical leverage that amplifies displacement while the corner contact points serve as natural reference points that are easier to manufacture with high precision compared to continuous surface contact
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 efficiently amplifies displacement and vibrational acceleration, enabling high-resolution haptic feedback with minimal electric power, enhancing tactile experiences in virtual reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element configured to generate a displacement thereof while expanding and contracting in accordance with polarities of a voltage applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
a jig member coupled to the piezoelectric element at upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric element in a thickness direction of the piezoelectric element in a state of contacting only corners of the piezoelectric element and configured to amplify the displacement generated at the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic actuator is disclosed. The haptic actuator includes a polygonal piezoelectric element configured to generate a displacement thereof while expanding and contracting in accordance with polarities of a voltage applied thereto, and a jig member coupled to the piezoelectric element at upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric element in a thickness direction of the piezoelectric element in a state of contacting only corners of the piezoelectric element and configured to amplify the displacement generated at the piezoelectric element, thereby vibrating. The jig member amplifies the displacement generated at the piezoelectric element and, as such, vibrates. Accordingly, it is possible to provide excellent haptic effects with high resolution to the user, using even a small voltage.