Magnet-Free Vibration Actuator Structure for Strong Tactile Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel vibration actuators are bulky, costly, and inefficient in providing strong tactile feedback, making them unsuitable for modern, compact, and cost-sensitive devices.
Innovation Solution
A vibration actuator design featuring a non-magnetic base with a magnetic suction force generation part and a movable body supported by elastic parts, allowing for efficient vibration transmission without the need for magnets, reducing size and cost while maintaining effective tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional vibration actuators with magnets are used, then strong tactile feedback can be generated, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnet component from the vibration actuator structure. By using a coil-generated magnetic field instead of permanent magnets, the actuator achieves the required magnetic force without the bulk and cost associated with magnet materials, directly resolving the contradiction between vibration output strength and actuator size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnet-based magnetic field generation system with an electromagnetic coil system. This substitution allows the actuator to generate the necessary magnetic field dynamically through electrical current, eliminating the need for physical magnets and reducing overall actuator volume while maintaining vibration performance
2Power
If traditional vibration actuators with magnets are used, then strong tactile feedback can be generated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive magnet materials from the actuator design. By relying solely on coil-generated magnetic fields, the manufacturing cost is reduced by eliminating the need to source, process, and assemble magnet components, while still achieving the required vibration output strength through optimized coil design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a coil-based magnetic field generation system that uses inexpensive electrical components rather than expensive permanent magnets. The coil system can be manufactured using standard wiring and formers, significantly reducing material costs compared to magnet-based alternatives while maintaining functional performance
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuator structure is simplified to reduce cost and size, then manufacturing becomes easier, but vibration output stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning the coil and movable body with precise geometric relationships. The coil former dimensions, winding density, and spacing from the movable body are carefully controlled to ensure stable magnetic field generation and consistent vibration output, compensating for the simplified overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes key parameters including coil turn count, wire gauge, winding tension, and spacing from the movable body to achieve stable vibration output. By carefully controlling these parameters during manufacturing, the actuator maintains reliable performance despite the simplified magnet-free structure
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 achieves cost reduction, thickness reduction, and efficient vibration output suitable for touch feeling feedback, enhancing user experience in compact devices by eliminating the need for magnets and optimizing the magnetic circuit for high output.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic suction force generation part provided at a core on which a coil is wound... a suction part composed of a magnetic material configured to be suctioned by the magnetic suction force generation part through energization to the coil
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elastic support parts configured to support the movable body with respect to the fixing body such that the movable body is sandwiched from a vibration direction... and that the movable body is movable in the vibration direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration actuator includes a flat plate base part that accommodates a coil wound around a plate-shaped core in an internal opening; a plate-shaped body including a suction part made of a magnetic material, the plate-shaped body disposed to overlap the flat plate base part; and an elastic support part that arranges the suction part to face the plate-shaped core within the region of the internal opening and connects the plate-shaped body to the flat plate base part so as to be movable along a surface of the flat plate base part.