Magnetic Tactile Actuator Using Electromagnet Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactile sensation-generating apparatuses face challenges in creating directional vibrations and high-quality tactile sensations due to their large size and mass, which are inherent to their mechanical components, and struggle to be compact and lightweight.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing a first and second magnet symmetrically placed across a target, with electromagnets between them to control the magnetic field's direction, strength, and cycle, allowing for adjustable force and vibration delivery, enabling precise tactile sensation generation without bulky mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional mechanical actuators (motor, drive shaft, eccentric rotor) are used to generate tactile sensation, then tactile vibration can be produced, but the device becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical actuator system (motor, drive shaft, eccentric rotor) with an electromagnetic field-based system using permanent magnets and electromagnets. The tactile sensation is generated through magnetic field interaction rather than mechanical rotation, eliminating bulky mechanical components while maintaining the ability to produce controlled vibration and force on the target object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls tactile sensation by adjusting electromagnetic field parameters (current strength, frequency, duty cycle) rather than mechanical parameters. By changing the electrical parameters supplied to the electromagnets, the system can dynamically control the magnetic field strength and resulting tactile force, achieving variable vibration intensity without mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Force
If conventional mechanical actuators are used to generate tactile sensation, then vibration can be produced, but the device cannot be compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical actuator system (motor, drive shaft, eccentric rotor) with an electromagnetic field-based system using permanent magnets and electromagnets. The tactile sensation is generated through magnetic field interaction rather than mechanical rotation, eliminating bulky mechanical components while maintaining the ability to produce controlled vibration and force on the target object.
3Force
If VibeTonz uses an eccentric rotor for vibration, then vibration is generated, but directional control of vibration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electromagnetic field characteristics to different spatial locations by positioning permanent magnets and electromagnets at specific locations. Each electromagnet can independently control the magnetic field in its local region, enabling precise directional control of the tactile force applied to different parts of the target object, unlike the uniform circular motion of an eccentric rotor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically controls the magnetic field by independently adjusting the current to each electromagnet in real-time. This allows the system to change the direction, magnitude, and timing of the tactile force dynamically, providing precise directional control that adapts to different operational requirements, whereas an eccentric rotor produces fixed-direction circular vibration.
4Force
If Phantom-DRAWN uses asymmetric acceleration to generate directional force, then directional tactile sensation is achieved, but unintended force directions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electromagnets that can be independently controlled to generate and adjust magnetic fields in response to desired tactile output requirements. By coordinating the current to each electromagnet, the system can precisely control the net magnetic force direction on the permanent magnet, ensuring accurate directional control without the unintended force directions that occur in asymmetric mechanical systems like Phantom-DRAWN.
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 apparatus allows for a range of tactile sensations, including pressure and vibration, in a compact and lightweight form, by controlling the magnetic field's parameters, enhancing user experience with varied and precise tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a strength of the whole magnetic field between the first and the second magnets is allowed to be adjusted by adjusting at least either of a direction and a strength of a magnetic field arising from the first electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
control the strength of the force with which the target is pressed by the first and the second magnets
Implementation Method 3
a first magnet and a second one which are placed across a target as a subject to provide tactile sensation
Implementation Method 4
a strength of a magnetic field between the first and the second magnets is allowed to be changed by adjusting at least either of applying time and applying cycle of a magnetic field arising from the first electromagnet to control vibration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating tactile sensation by using a magnetic field, includes: a first magnet and a second one which are placed across a target as a subject to provide tactile sensation; and a first electromagnet placed between the target and the first magnet; wherein a strength of the whole magnetic field between the first and the second magnets is allowed to be adjusted by adjusting at least either of a direction and a strength of a magnetic field arising from the first electromagnet to control the strength of the force with which the target is pressed by the first and the second magnets. Because a magnet itself that generates a magnetic field without any complicated mechanical components may perform a function as an actuator that generates tactile sensation, the apparatus for generating tactile sensation may become simple, light and compact.