Reconfigurable Linear Haptic Actuator Force Curve Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not adequately addressed the need for a single manufacturing process that can produce a linear actuator system capable of adapting to different devices and applications, particularly in the field of mobile electronic devices, where the need for multiple distinct haptic actuators within a device, and the need for a single haptic actuator system capable of adjusting its force response curve to meet the needs of different applications.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator system with a housing, a movable mass, an electromagnet, and a reactive force path that allows for adjustable force response curves by varying the location of force elements within the housing, enabling a single model to be adaptable to different devices and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single haptic actuator model is used across different devices, then manufacturing costs are reduced and production efficiency is improved, but the force response characteristics cannot be optimized for different device-specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive force path is designed with adjustable force elements that can be positioned at different locations along the linear displacement path. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same actuator hardware to produce different force response curves tailored to specific device applications, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and application-specific optimization
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the position parameter of force elements along the reactive force path, the force response characteristics of the actuator are modified. This parameter adjustment enables a single actuator model to adapt to different device requirements without requiring multiple specialized models, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving application-specific optimization
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct haptic actuators are used within a device for different applications, then each application gets optimized force response characteristics, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with a universal housing structure that contains multiple possible force element locations. This universal design allows a single actuator to perform multiple different haptic feedback functions by simply repositioning the force elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized actuators and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining haptic feedback profile variety
3Manufacturing precision
If force elements are positioned at specific locations in the housing, then the force response curve is optimized for a particular application, but the actuator cannot be easily adapted to different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The reactive force path is segmented into multiple discrete force element locations within the housing. This segmentation allows individual force elements to be independently positioned at optimal locations for different applications, enabling both precise force response optimization and easy adaptability through simple repositioning of individual segments
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 solution reduces production costs by standardizing the manufacturing process while allowing the haptic actuator to meet the needs of different devices and applications, and enhances the adaptability of the actuator to different feedback profiles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet fixed relative to the housing and configured to selectively impart an acceleration to the mass in an orientation of the linear displacement path
Implementation Method 2
a reactive force path generating a return force when the mass is displaced from a rest position, the return force being in the orientation of the linear displacement path towards the rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator device is provided. The device has a housing defining a displacement path and a mass movably mounted within the housing. The housing has a plurality of force element locations at which a force element can be held. When the mass is displaced from a rest position, a return force is generated by interaction of the force elements and the mass in accordance with a force response curve. The characteristics of the force response curve vary depending on the force element location at which the force element is positioned. The force element may be moved between different force element locations.