Magnetic Haptic Transducer Layout for Compact Low-Power Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic technologies in user devices face challenges in achieving optimal size, low energy consumption, versatility in attachment, and cost-effectiveness for producing haptic effects, especially in movable parts of hand-held devices.

Innovation Solution

A haptic transducer arrangement comprising permanent magnets and coils, where the magnets create static magnetic forces and the coils generate dynamic forces under electric current, allowing relative movement between transducer halves to produce haptic effects, which are conveyed to the user through movable attachments in user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional haptic transducers are used in hand-held devices, then haptic effects can be produced, but the device size increases and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidhaptic effect production

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic transducers with a magnetic field-based system. Electromagnets generate magnetic forces that interact with permanent magnets to produce haptic effects, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical moving parts and reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable haptic feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using magnetic field interactions instead of mechanical actuation. The electromagnets are controlled through current modulation to generate dynamic magnetic forces, allowing for variable haptic effects with lower energy consumption compared to traditional mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If haptic transducers are made smaller for hand-held devices, then device portability improves, but the ability to produce effective haptic effects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer sizeVSAvoidhaptic force output

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating magnetic flux in specific regions between the electromagnets and permanent magnets. This creates localized areas of high magnetic force density that can generate effective haptic feedback in a compact volume, allowing small transducers to produce sufficient haptic force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite magnetic system combining electromagnets (temporary magnets) with permanent magnets. This composite approach creates a synergistic magnetic field interaction that generates strong haptic forces in a compact configuration, overcoming the limitations of size reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If versatile attachment methods are implemented for haptic transducers, then adaptability to different device structures improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment versatilityVSAvoidattachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the haptic transducer with universal attachment capabilities that can be integrated into various device structures. The magnetic attachment mechanism and flexible mounting options allow the same transducer design to be adapted to different device configurations without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient, low-energy, and cost-effective production of haptic effects in user devices, allowing for versatile attachment and effective haptic feedback, enhancing user experience by simulating movements and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The permanent magnets create static magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the coils generate dynamic forces under electric current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4281842B1Method and arrangement for producing haptic effects in a user device

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 PS AUDIO DESIGN

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AI summary

A user device comprises a first part (101) and a second part (102), which is a hand-held body. A movable attachment (103) allows a user to hold the second part (102) by hand and move the first part (101). A haptic transducer (104) produces haptic effects and comprises a first half (105) and a second half (106). Of an arrangement of permanent magnets, a first permanent magnet (201) is in said first half (105) and at a second permanent magnet (202) in said second half (106). A coil (203) in said haptic transducer (104) creates, under influence of an electric current, dynamic magnetic forces in the haptic transducer (104). The first half (105) is attached to said first part (101) of the user device and the second half (106) is attached to said second part (102) of the user device.