Haptic Wrist Rest With Torsion Rollers for Wideband Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback devices are limited by narrow frequency range, inability to convey directional or proportional information, and interference with primary device functions, limiting market acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A haptic transducer system utilizing a torsion roller suspension and a tactile transducer with a hinge connection, minimizing mass and noise, and enabling wide frequency range operation and efficient force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If linear resonant actuators are used for haptic feedback, then electro-mechanical efficiency is improved, but frequency range is limited to an extremely narrow range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the haptic transducer by using a planar magnetic motor design with voice coil and permanent magnets, enabling operation across a wide frequency range (DC to several kHz) unlike LRAs that operate only at their resonant frequency. This parameter change allows the system to deliver useful force output from DC up to multiple kilohertz while maintaining electro-mechanical efficiency through direct electromagnetic force generation.
2Loss of information
If traditional haptic transducers are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but directional or proportional information cannot be conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the haptic feedback capability into multiple independent force generators arranged in different orientations (e.g., left-right, up-down, forward-backward). Each segment can independently control force magnitude and direction, enabling the system to convey directional information and proportional intensity variations without requiring a single complex transducer. This segmentation allows precise control of haptic vectors in multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends haptic feedback from simple scalar vibration intensity to vector-based multi-dimensional force control. By arranging force generators in three-dimensional space and controlling their individual outputs, the system can convey directional information (which direction the force is applied) and proportional information (relative magnitude of force in different directions), adding spatial and intensity dimensions to the haptic feedback language.
3Loss of information
If haptic feedback is added to existing devices, then user information feedback is improved, but primary device function may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate planar magnetic motor transducer as an intermediary component that generates haptic forces independently of the primary device mechanics. This intermediary transducer can be mounted on the device housing or input surface without interfering with the operational mechanics of buttons, mice, or keyboards. The haptic feedback is delivered through this dedicated intermediary component rather than modifying the primary device structure, thus preserving ease of operation while improving user feedback quality.
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
Enhances haptic feedback capabilities by providing a wide frequency range and precise directional information without interfering with the primary device function, improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A haptic transducer, such as a planar magnetic motor with a voice coil and permanent magnets, may be mounted on a housing
Implementation Method 2
A haptic transducer system utilizing a torsion roller suspension and a tactile transducer with a hinge connection
Implementation Method 3
A haptic transducer system utilizing a torsion roller suspension and a tactile transducer with a hinge connection
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic wrist rest is disclosed. The haptic wrist rest includes a tactile transducer, a wrist rest tray, and a plurality of torsion rollers that permit the wrist rest tray to move primarily along a single axis and provide a restoring force as the torsion rollers store energy by twisting in response to that motion. In some embodiments, the torsion rollers comprise a cylindrical inner portion and a hollow resilient outer portion. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the torsion roller is retained on protrusions within recesses in the bottom of the tray.