Haptic Feedback Device Using Reciprocating Magnet and Dual Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with haptic feedback systems face issues such as electro-mechanical coupling failures in eccentric rotating mass motors and mechanical component failures in linear resonant actuators, requiring complex power supplies and limited operational frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback device using a magnet that reciprocates within electrical coils, powered by a DC supply, eliminating the need for electro-mechanical commutation and mechanical components, and allowing operation across a wider frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eccentric rotating mass motors with brushes are used for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be provided, but electro-mechanical coupling may fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush-based commutation system with an electroless magnetic field switching system. Two coils are alternately energized to create opposing magnetic fields that drive the magnet, eliminating the need for physical electro-mechanical coupling and brushes that are prone to wear and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic electro-mechanical coupling components (brushes, commutator) from the haptic feedback system, retaining only the essential magnetic field interaction between coils and magnet to produce haptic feedback.
2Reliability
If linear resonant actuators with springs are used for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be provided, but mechanical components may fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based resonance system with an electroless magnetic field oscillation system. The magnet is driven reciprocally by alternating magnetic fields from two coils without requiring mechanical springs or other resilient mechanical components that can fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the mechanical spring component from the haptic feedback system, extracting the essential function of providing restorative force and replacing it with electromagnetic field-based oscillation that has no mechanical wear points.
3Ease of operation
If AC power supply or inverter is used to drive linear resonant actuators, then haptic feedback can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the AC power supply or inverter requirement with a DC power supply system that directly alternates current between two coils. This eliminates the need for complex AC-to-DC conversion or inverter circuits while achieving the same alternating magnetic field effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting DC to AC or using AC directly to drive the actuator, the patent inverts the approach by using DC power supply with alternating current distribution to two coils, achieving reciprocating motion through magnetic field alternation without requiring AC power conversion infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If linear resonant actuators are used for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be provided, but operational frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamically adjustable frequency system where the oscillation frequency is determined by the switching rate of the controller alternating current between the two coils, rather than being fixed by mechanical resonance characteristics. This allows flexible frequency adjustment across a wider range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables frequency parameter to be changed independently of mechanical constraints by controlling the electrical switching frequency between the two coils. The system can operate at various frequencies by simply adjusting the controller's switching rate without being constrained by mechanical resonant frequencies.
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 reliable and efficient haptic feedback without mechanical resonance, simplifying the device construction and operation, and reducing complexity and failure rates compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each time electrical energy is supplied to each of the first and second electrical coils, a magnetic field is generated, the magnetic field interacting with the magnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided an aerosol-generating device (12) comprising an electric heater (24) for heating an aerosol-forming substrate (42), at least one power supply (18), a haptic feedback device (20), and a controller (22). The haptic feedback device (20) comprises a first electrical coil (60), a second electrical coil (64) and a magnet (68) configured for movement within the first and second electrical coils (60, 64). The controller (22) is configured to control a supply of electrical energy from the at least one power supply (18) to the electric heater (24) and the haptic feedback device (20), wherein the controller (22) is configured to alternate the supply of electrical energy from the at least one power supply (18) to the first electrical coil (60) and the second electrical coil (64) to induce a reciprocating movement of the magnet (68) within the first and second electrical coils (60, 64).