Integrated Haptic Actuator and Sensor Electrode for Wearables

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices face design constraints due to limited size and weight requirements, restricting the number of haptic actuators and biosignal sensors that can be installed for providing diverse haptic feedbacks and enhanced user experience.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a haptic actuator with a sensor electrode that includes a conductive case for skin contact, a vibration generation mechanism, and a signal transmitting system for both driving signals and biosignals, allowing for compact installation and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If more haptic actuators and biosignal sensors are installed in a wearable device, then the functionality and user experience are enhanced, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a haptic actuator and a biosignal sensor into a single integrated unit. The haptic actuator includes a vibration generation unit and a biosignal sensor unit that shares the same structural components (case, electrode, signal transmitting means), allowing both haptic feedback and biosignal detection functions to be achieved without installing separate components, thereby enhancing functionality while controlling device weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more haptic actuators and biosignal sensors are installed in a wearable device, then the functionality and user experience are enhanced, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a haptic actuator and a biosignal sensor into a single integrated unit. The haptic actuator includes a vibration generation unit and a biosignal sensor unit that shares the same structural components (case, electrode, signal transmitting means), allowing both haptic feedback and biosignal detection functions to be achieved without installing separate components, thereby enhancing functionality while controlling device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If separate haptic actuators and biosignal sensors are installed, then the device structure is simple, but the installation space is insufficient and design freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddesign freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a haptic actuator and a biosignal sensor into a single integrated unit. The haptic actuator includes a vibration generation unit and a biosignal sensor unit that shares the same structural components (case, electrode, signal transmitting means), allowing both haptic feedback and biosignal detection functions to be achieved without installing separate components, thereby enhancing functionality while controlling device weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This integration enables more haptic actuators and sensors to be installed in a wearable device, reducing manufacturing costs and providing a wider range of haptic feedbacks and enhanced user experiences while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

LRAs (Linear Resonant Actuators) generating vibration by reciprocating a vibration unit connected to a spring by electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

piezoelectric actuators having piezoelectric elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a case comprising a skin contact surface made of a conductive material; a sensor electrode coupled to the outer side of the case for detecting biosignals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9529436B2Haptic actuator integrated with sensor electrode and wearable device comprising the same

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 IMAGIS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a haptic actuator integrated with a sensor electrode and a wearable device including the haptic actuator. The haptic actuator integrated with a sensor electrode comprises a case having a skin contact surface made of a conductive material; a vibration generation means installed in the case; a driving signal transmitting means of which the one end is connected electrically to the vibration generation means; and a sensor signal transmitting means of which the one end is connected electrically to the skin contact surface.