Vehicle Haptic Actuator Housing With Translating Cover

Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle haptic feedback systems require custom-designed actuators for each trim part, leading to variability in size, power, and integration complexity, making standardization and mass production challenging.

Innovation Solution

An actuation casing with a housing and cover that house an oscillating actuator, allowing for standardized haptic feedback generation through translational movement, enabling easy integration into various trim parts and reducing the need for parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom-designed actuators are used for each trim part, then the haptic feedback can be adapted to specific dimensions and surfaces, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple dedicated actuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to trim part dimensions and surfacesVSAvoidnumber of dedicated actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation casing is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into multiple different trim parts throughout the vehicle. The standardized casing houses an oscillating actuator that generates haptic feedback suitable for various surfaces and dimensions, eliminating the need for custom-designed actuators for each trim part while maintaining adaptability through selective placement of multiple identical casings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If custom-designed actuators are used for each trim part, then the haptic feedback can be optimized for specific parts, but the manufacturing cost increases due to lack of standardization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback optimizationVSAvoidmass production capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation casing is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into multiple different trim parts throughout the vehicle. The standardized casing houses an oscillating actuator that generates haptic feedback suitable for various surfaces and dimensions, eliminating the need for custom-designed actuators for each trim part while maintaining adaptability through selective placement of multiple identical casings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback system is segmented into standardized actuation casings that can be independently produced and then selectively deployed in different locations. This segmentation allows each casing to be mass-produced using identical parameters, while the overall system achieves customization by varying the number and placement of identical modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated actuators are arranged in the passenger compartment, then each trim part can provide customized haptic feedback, but the integration complexity and parameter adjustment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomized haptic feedback per trim partVSAvoidintegration and parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation casing is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into multiple different trim parts throughout the vehicle. The standardized casing houses an oscillating actuator that generates haptic feedback suitable for various surfaces and dimensions, eliminating the need for custom-designed actuators for each trim part while maintaining adaptability through selective placement of multiple identical casings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables standardized haptic feedback across different trim parts, facilitating mass production, reducing integration complexity, and ensuring consistent haptic responses regardless of the trim part's surface or weight, while allowing for optimal directional haptic feedback.

Implementation Method 1

the cover comprises a first elastic member configured to bear against a first lateral wall of the container and a second elastic member configured to bear against a second lateral wall of the container arranged on the side opposite to the first lateral wall, to allow the relative translational movement of the cover vis-à-vis the container following the displacement direction Dx

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11935395B2Actuator housing for providing haptic feedback in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 NOVARES FRANCE

AI summary

An actuator housing intended to provide haptic feedback in a vehicle includes a container having a recess configured to accommodate an oscillating actuator and an insertion opening that opens into the recess, and a cover configured to at least partially close the insertion opening of the container. The container and the cover are mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to each other and configured such that, when the oscillating actuator is accommodated in the recess, the oscillation of the oscillating actuator causes the cover to move in translation relative to the container, generating haptic vibration in a direction of movement.