Horizontal Linear Vibrator Design for Slim Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration generating units in cellular phones, which rely on rotating rotors with commutator and brush structures, suffer from mechanical friction, electric sparks, and reduced lifespan, and their vertical design increases thickness, making them unsuitable for small and slim devices.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal linear vibrator design featuring a casing with internal magnets, a bracket, a vibration unit with a cylindrical coil, and springs that support horizontal vibration, eliminating the need for a separate yoke and minimizing thickness while maintaining vibration strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a vertical linear vibrator structure is used, then the vibration quantity is sufficient, but the thickness of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical vibration direction to horizontal vibration. The vibration unit vibrates horizontally between the first and second magnets instead of vertically, which reduces the thickness direction dimension while maintaining sufficient vibration quantity through the horizontal displacement of the weighted vibration unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vibration direction from the vertical dimension (thickness direction) to the horizontal dimension. By orienting the magnets and vibration unit arrangement horizontally, the device achieves sufficient vibration output without increasing thickness, effectively utilizing another spatial dimension for vibration generation.
2Ease of operation
If a commutator and brush motor structure is used to rotate the rotor, then the vibration generating unit can be operated, but mechanical friction, electric sparks, and abrasion are induced, reducing the lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical commutator and brush system with an electromagnetic coil system. The cylindrical coil generates electromagnetic force through current flow to drive the vibration unit, eliminating mechanical contact components that cause friction, sparks, and wear, thereby significantly extending the device lifetime while maintaining operation capability.
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 horizontal linear vibrator achieves reduced thickness, increased vibration strength, and extended lifespan by utilizing magnetic fields and springs to support horizontal vibration, preventing sagging and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
converts electric energy into mechanical vibration by the use of a principle of generating electromagnetic force
Implementation Method 2
interaction between a magnetic field which is generated by a magnetic circuit including the cylindrical magnet 44, the plate yoke 43 and the yoke 42, and an electric field generated by the coil 32
Implementation Method 3
springs which elastically support the vibration unit so that the vibration unit linearly vibrates in the horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a horizontal linear vibrator which can reduce the thickness but increase the strength of vibrations while at the same time guaranteeing a sufficiently long lifetime and satisfactory responsivity. The horizontal linear vibrator includes a casing, a bracket, a vibration unit and springs. The casing defines an internal space therein. A first magnet is attached to an upper plate of the casing. The bracket is coupled to the lower end of the casing. The second magnet is attached to the bracket such that different poles of the first and second magnets face each other. The vibration unit has a weight, and a cylindrical coil which is provided in or under the weight. The springs are coupled to the sidewall plates of the casing or the bracket. The springs elastically support the vibration unit to allow the vibration unit to vibrate in the horizontal direction.