Load-Sensed Vibration Control for Stable Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration application mechanisms erroneously actuate vibration generators due to changes in load caused by the vibration of the vibratable part, leading to incorrect tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A vibration application mechanism with a controller that determines if the load sensed by a load sensor has exceeded a threshold, and only drives the vibration generator for a predetermined interval if the load falls below a second threshold during that period, preventing erroneous actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vibration generator is driven to vibrate the vibratable part, then tactile feedback is provided to the user, but the vibration causes changes in the load sensed by the load sensor which may trigger erroneous actuation of the vibration generator
Solution Approach 1:
The controller drives the vibration generator for a predetermined interval immediately upon detecting that the load has equaled or exceeded the first threshold value, before checking whether the load has fallen below the second threshold value. This preliminary action ensures that tactile feedback is provided without delay while the subsequent load check prevents erroneous re-actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs periodic checks during a predetermined first period after driving the vibration generator to determine whether the load has fallen below the second threshold value. This periodic monitoring prevents erroneous actuation while allowing the vibration to complete its tactile feedback function.
2Speed
If the controller drives the vibration generator immediately when the load exceeds the threshold, then responsive tactile feedback is achieved, but vibration-induced load changes cause erroneous actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller immediately drives the vibration generator upon detecting that the load has equaled or exceeded the first threshold value, providing responsive tactile feedback. The preliminary action of driving the vibration generator before the load check ensures fast response while the subsequent check during the predetermined first period prevents erroneous actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the load sensor and the vibration generator, inserting a predetermined first period and load check between the initial threshold detection and potential re-actuation. This intermediary mechanism maintains fast response while filtering out vibration-induced false signals.
3Reliability
If the controller monitors load continuously to prevent erroneous actuation, then actuation accuracy is improved, but the control process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs load monitoring periodically during a predetermined first period after driving the vibration generator, rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring at specific intervals achieves accurate control while keeping the control process relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller establishes a predetermined first period in advance and performs the load check within this pre-defined timeframe. This preliminary structuring of the control process simplifies the monitoring logic by confining it to a specific time window rather than requiring continuous complex analysis.
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
Prevents erroneous actuation of the vibration generator, ensuring accurate tactile feedback by controlling the vibration based on specific threshold changes and intervals.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generator to vibrate the vibratable part
Implementation Method 2
a load sensor to sense a load applied to the vibratable part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention suppresses an erroneous actuation of a vibration generator. A vibration application mechanism T1 includes a vibratable part V1, a load sensor 800 to sense a load applied to the vibratable part V1, a vibration generator 200 to vibrate the vibratable part V1, and a vibration controller 920. The vibration controller 920 makes a first determination as to whether or not a load sensed by the load sensor 800 has equaled or exceeded a first threshold value. If the vibration controller 920 determines, as a result of the first determination, that the load sensed by the load sensor 800 has equaled or exceeded the first threshold value, then the vibration controller 920 drives the vibration generator 200. The vibration controller 920 makes a second determination, during a predetermined period P1, as to whether or not a load sensed by the load sensor 200 has fallen below a second threshold value. The period P1 starts when the load sensed by the load sensor 800 has equaled or exceeded the first threshold value. If the vibration controller 920 determines, as a result of the second determination, that the load sensed by the load sensor 200 has fallen below the second threshold value during the period P1, then the vibration controller 920 does not drive the vibration generator 200.