Morphing Haptic Actuator for Vibration and Push Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators primarily provide a push force as a haptic effect, lacking flexibility in the range of sensations they can impart.
Innovation Solution
Actuators are designed to include a contracting member, such as a shape memory material, which can be activated and deactivated to morph between configurations, providing vibration effects alongside pushing and massaging sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional actuator is used, then it provides a push force, but it cannot provide vibration effects or multiple haptic sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator incorporates a contracting member capable of performing multiple functions: providing push force, generating vibration effects, and delivering massaging sensations. By integrating this multi-functional component into a single actuator system, the device achieves versatility in haptic output without requiring separate actuators for each sensation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The contracting member is designed to dynamically change its configuration between activated and relaxed states. This dynamic morphing capability allows the actuator to transition between different haptic modes (push, vibration, massage) by controlling the activation state, thereby adapting to different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a contracting member is added to provide vibration effects, then the range of sensations is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contracting member serves multiple purposes within the actuator system. It provides the primary push force when activated, generates vibration effects through rapid activation cycles, and creates massaging sensations through controlled contraction patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vibration generation mechanism and the pushing mechanism into a single integrating actuator system. The contracting member combines both functions, eliminating the need for separate vibration motors and push actuators, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the expanded haptic capabilities.
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 actuator expands the range of sensations it can deliver by incorporating a contracting member that changes shape in response to activation and deactivation, offering both vibration and pushing effects.
Implementation Method 1
Shape memory alloys change shape when an activation input is provided to the material. When the activation input is discontinued, the material returns to its original shape.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator can include a contracting member. The contracting member can be activated and deactivated so that the actuator actuator morphs between activated and relaxed configurations. As a result, the actuator can provide a vibration effect.