Low-Profile Haptic Transducer With Compliant Magnetic Reciprocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic transducers face challenges in delivering effective stimulation while minimizing form factor and maintaining comfort, particularly in handheld and wearable devices with limited real-estate.

Innovation Solution

A haptic transducer design featuring a first member reciprocally movable relative to a second member, with a compliant member maintaining constant contact, and a depth dimension less than one orthogonal dimension, utilizing magnetic and electromechanical components to achieve compact and efficient haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the form factor of haptic transducers is reduced to fit handheld and wearable devices, then the device size is minimized, but the haptic stimulation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer sizeVSAvoidhaptic stimulation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the transducer architecture by positioning the coil winding axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the magnetic member. This dimensional change allows the magnetic member to move along a linear path while the coil generates magnetic field along a different axis, enabling compact packaging without sacrificing stroke length or force output. The depth dimension is reduced to less than one orthogonal dimension while maintaining effective haptic stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the depth of the transducer is reduced for compact design, then the form factor is improved, but the magnetic member travel distance may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer depthVSAvoidmagnetic member reciprocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compliant member is positioned substantially between the first and second members, nesting the magnetic member's travel path within the confined depth space. The compliant member flexes to accommodate the magnetic member's reciprocating motion without requiring excessive depth, allowing full stroke operation within a compact form factor where depth is less than one orthogonal dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using a compliant member with specific flexibility characteristics that allow the magnetic member to achieve sufficient reciprocation distance within reduced depth constraints. The coil winding configuration is also optimized to generate adequate magnetic force within the compact dimensional envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a compliant member is added to maintain constant contact between members, then comfort and continuous contact are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomfortVSAvoidtransducer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compliant member functions as a flexible element that maintains substantial constant contact between the magnetic member and the second member during reciprocation. This flexible component provides comfort by conforming to the magnetic member's motion while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall transducer design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design provides compact, efficient, and comfortable haptic feedback suitable for handheld and wearable devices, enhancing user experience through reduced size and improved stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

a first member operatively coupled and reciprocally movable relative to a second member in response to electronic signals... the coil is wound about an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to substantially linear axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first member capable of exhibiting a magnetic force in proximity of a magnetic field; a second member including a coil, the coil being configured to generate a magnetic field encompassing or proximal to the first member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a substantially compliant member between the first member and the second member... the compliant member remains substantially in contact with the first member and to the second member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12562038B2Haptic transducer devices and associated apparatuses, systems and methods

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 WING ACOUSTICS LTD

AI summary

A haptic transducer having first and second members that are reciprocally movable relative to one another. The members are magnetic and comprise a compliant member coupled between them. The haptics transducer embodiments are suitable for wearable or handheld devices or apparatuses, such as headphones or footwear as they comprise a low-profile yet provide suitable haptic feedback without significantly altering the compliance of the wearable or handheld device or apparatus.