Linear Vibrator Locking Mechanism for Mobile Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear vibrators in mobile devices can produce unwanted movements or sounds when tapped or shaken, due to the significant back-and-forth movement of the moveable weight, leading to an undesirable user experience.
Innovation Solution
A haptic alert device with a first linear electric motor to drive a moveable weight and a second motor or a pivoting arm to lock and release the weight, ensuring the weight remains still when not in use, and is released to produce controlled vibrations upon a haptic alert command, using specific drive currents to manage the motors and locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional linear vibrator is used with a spring-loaded weight driven by a linear electric motor, then strong vibrations can be produced at resonant frequency, but the moveable weight moves back-and-forth by a significant amount when the device is tapped or shaken, causing unwanted movements or sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a locking mechanism that pre-positions the moveable weight in a fixed state before vibration operation. The locking mechanism includes a restraining member that can be engaged to hold the weight stationary, preventing unwanted movements during device handling. When vibration is needed, the locking mechanism is released in advance to allow the weight to move freely for controlled vibration production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the restraining member movable between locked and unlocked positions. The restraining member can dynamically transition from constraining the weight during non-operational states to allowing free movement during vibration operation. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt its behavior based on operational requirements, eliminating unwanted movements while maintaining vibration capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism with a second electric motor is added to control the moveable weight, then unwanted movements are prevented when the vibrator is not in use, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the linear electric motor to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the vibration actuator and the lock control mechanism. The same motor that drives the moveable weight for vibration also controls the restraining member's position through bidirectional movement. This eliminates the need for a separate second electric motor, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to prevent unwanted movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the vibration motor and lock control functions into a single linear electric motor system. The motor's movement is used to both position the moveable weight for vibration and control the engaging/disengaging of the locking mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving the desired functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the moveable weight is locked in place when not in use, then unwanted sounds are eliminated, but the vibrator cannot produce vibrations until the locking mechanism is released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the restraining member in an engaged state that prevents unwanted sounds during device handling. The system is designed so that the locking mechanism is already in place before vibration is needed, eliminating any delay in preventing unwanted sounds. When vibration activation is commanded, the system quickly transitions from this pre-prepared locked state to the vibrating state through rapid release of the restraining member.
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 effectively prevents unwanted movements and sounds, providing a more reliable and user-friendly haptic feedback experience by ensuring the weight is securely locked when inactive and released to produce intended vibrations efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear electric motor that is coupled to drive a moveable weight. The moveable weight is to move back-and-forth, while being driven by the first linear electric motor
Implementation Method 2
When the motor is energized to a first level or degree, a sufficient magnetic flux density is generated that interacts with the magnet of the pivoting arm so as to cause the arm to move out of its locked position into a release position
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrator designed to be integrated into a portable electronic device as part of a haptic alert device has a linear electric motor that is coupled to actively drive a moveable weight in back-and-forth directions to produce the desired vibration. A lock mechanism has a restraining member that is biased into a lock position, which prevents the moveable weight from moving in the back-and-forth directions when the vibrator is inactive. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.