Haptic Audio Transducer Using Shared Magnet System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to efficiently and cost-effectively reproduce both haptic and audio signals, particularly in household appliances, as they often require separate components that increase weight and space requirements, and existing solutions like structure-borne sound transducers do not produce optimal audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A compact device that combines a coil, magnet system, and membrane to generate both haptic and audio signals using a single membrane, coil, and magnet system, with a control unit to superimpose signals and utilize damping elements to prevent high-frequency distortion, allowing for efficient energy transmission and high-quality reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a structure-borne sound transducer is used for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but audio signal reproduction quality is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate transducer systems: a structure-borne sound transducer for haptic feedback and a membrane-based transducer for audio reproduction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between reliable haptic feedback and optimal audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Both haptic and audio transducers are integrated into a single device assembly that shares common components such as the magnet system and housing. This merging reduces overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining the functional separation needed for high-quality performance in both haptic and audio domains.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate components are used for haptic and audio signals, then signal reproduction quality is improved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet system serves dual purposes: generating magnetic fields for both the structure-borne sound transducer (haptic) and the membrane transducer (audio). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate magnet systems, reducing weight and space while maintaining high reproduction quality for both signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil for the membrane transducer is positioned within the magnetic field region of the magnet system, nesting the audio transducer components within the broader haptic transducer assembly. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device footprint and weight while preserving the functional independence needed for high-quality signal reproduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate components are used for haptic and audio signals, then signal reproduction quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines both haptic and audio transducer functions into a single integrated assembly that shares the magnet system, housing, and mounting structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the functional separation necessary for high-quality reproduction of both signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
Common components such as the magnet system, housing, and fasteners serve multiple functions: the magnet system generates fields for both transducers, the housing provides structural support and acoustic isolation, and the fasteners secure both transducer assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
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
Enables high-quality reproduction of both haptic and audio signals in a space-efficient and cost-effective manner, preventing high-frequency distortion and maintaining acoustic quality by using a single membrane and coil system.
Implementation Method 1
The coil can be designed to generate a magnetic field in response to a coil current through the coil
Implementation Method 2
The magnet system may include a first pole (e.g. a magnetic north pole) enclosing a second pole (e.g. a magnetic south pole) such that a (constant and/or permanent) magnetic field is generated
Implementation Method 3
a membrane which is attached to the plate (on the one hand) and to the magnet system (on the other hand) in such a way that the membrane is excited to vibrate by a movement of the magnet system
Implementation Method 4
The interaction of the two magnetic fields can cause a relative movement between the coil and the magnet system
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d
AI summary
A device (112) for reproducing a haptic signal and/or an audio signal on a plate (114) is described. The device (112) comprises a coil (205) attached to the plate (114) and a magnet system (204) configured to generate a magnetic field into which the coil (205) is immersed. The device (112) also comprises a diaphragm (202) attached to the plate (114) and to the magnet system (204) such that the diaphragm (202) is set into vibration by movement of the magnet system (204). Furthermore, the device (112) comprises a control unit (111) configured to generate a control signal for reproducing the haptic signal and/or the audio signal. The control unit (111) is further configured to cause a coil current through the coil (205) that depends on the control signal in order to cause the reproduction of the haptic signal and/or the audio signal.