Haptic Feedback Actuator with Integrated Guide Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback control devices for motor vehicles face inefficiencies due to hyperstatic problems caused by multiple mechanical fasteners, which reduce overall performance and increase costs, while also requiring a small footprint and low cost.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback control device with a plate and touch surface sensor, featuring an actuator with a mobile core and stator, where guide means integrated into the actuator reduce mechanical connections between the frame and plate, allowing movement parallel to the plate's plane and using elastic return means and electromagnetic components for efficient feedback generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If guide means are fixed to the frame to support the plate and actuator, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple mechanical fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are integrated directly into the actuator structure, merging the guidance function with the actuator body. This eliminates separate guide components and their associated fasteners, reducing device complexity while maintaining mechanical strength through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator structure serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback, guides the plate movement, and supports the touch surface sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby reducing the number of mechanical fasteners and overall device complexity.
2Strength
If multiple mechanical fasteners are used to connect the plate and actuator, then mechanical integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the guide means into the actuator, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be fastened together. This merging of components directly reduces the number of mechanical fasteners required, lowering manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining mechanical integrity through the integrated design.
3Area of stationary object
If the control device is designed with a compact layout, then footprint is reduced, but mechanical connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of guide means into the actuator structure allows for a more compact layout by eliminating separate guidance components. This merging reduces the overall footprint while simultaneously reducing the number of mechanical connections required, as the integrated structure provides both guidance and support functions within a unified component.
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 a compact, cost-effective haptic feedback control device that minimizes mechanical connections, reduces noise, and maintains mechanical integrity, ensuring optimal ergonomic comfort and safety standards are met.
Implementation Method 1
said actuator is electromagnetic and comprises at least one coil configured to generate a magnetic field when it is energized
Implementation Method 2
said armatures are made of ferromagnetic material, such that said magnetic field guides the movable core in translation between said armatures
Implementation Method 3
said guide means comprise elastic return means, such as elastomers
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The device (1) has an electromagnetic actuator (7) with a mobile core (11) fixed to a plate (3) to move the plate when pressing of a user on a touch surface of a touch-surface pressure sensor (5) is detected to generate haptic feedback. The actuator has a stator (9) fixed to a frame (13) and having armatures (9a, 9b) between which the core is moved when the feedback is generated. The armatures form a support of the plate and carry guiding units (19) that are interlaced between the armatures and the plate to guide movement of the plate relative to the stator when the feedback is generated. The guiding units are constituted by elastic return units i.e. elastomers. The armatures and the core made of ferromagnetic materials.