MR Elastomer-Fluid Haptic Actuator for Compact Force and Vibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MR dampers are expensive and have large volumes, limiting their application in haptic devices like haptic shoes and VR controllers, necessitating a downsized and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator using a magnetorheological elastomer and fluid, where the elastomer surrounds a ferrous elastomer and the fluid, increases rigidity and viscosity in response to magnetic fields, providing kinesthetic and vibration feedback through deformation and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current MR dampers are used, then vibration control and shock absorption performance is achieved, but volume and weight are large and manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the magnetorheological material from conventional fluid-only to a composite system with elastomer and fluid, enabling the material itself to provide structural support and haptic feedback functions that previously required separate mechanical components, thereby reducing overall actuator volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining magnetorheological elastomer and magnetorheological fluid within a single actuator housing. The elastomer provides structural integrity and shape memory, while the fluid provides vibration damping and shock absorption, creating a multi-functional composite system that reduces the need for separate components
2Reliability
If current MR dampers are used, then vibration control and shock absorption performance is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (structural support, vibration damping, shock absorption, and haptic feedback) into a single integrated actuator unit. By combining the magnetorheological elastomer housing and fluid system, the design eliminates the need for separate dampers, mounts, and haptic actuators, thereby reducing total component count and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetorheological actuator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a housing, vibration damping through the MR fluid, shock absorption through the elastomer's elasticity, and haptic feedback through controlled rigidity changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components
3Force
If magnetorheological elastomer and fluid are used, then rigidity and viscosity increase providing kinesthetic feedback, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetorheological elastomer housing and fluid system is designed to automatically adjust its rigidity and viscosity in response to applied magnetic fields without requiring external control systems. The material's inherent magnetorheological properties enable self-regulation of mechanical properties, reducing the need for complex control electronics and actuators
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 offers miniaturized, cost-effective kinesthetic and vibration feedback, suitable for haptic shoes and VR controllers, enhancing user experience and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
when an external magnetic field is applied, rigidity of the magnetorheological elastomer housing (110) increases
Implementation Method 2
viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid (130) increases
Implementation Method 3
when an external alternating current magnetic field is applied, the magnetorheological elastomer housing (110) generates vibration while being repeatedly compressed and restored
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a haptic actuator using a magnetorheological elastomer and a magnetorheological fluid, which has a shape in which a magnetorheological elastomer surrounds a ferrous elastomer and a magnetorheological fluid, the haptic actuator being capable of providing kinesthetic feedback related to an external force by increasing rigidity of the magnetorheological elastomer and increasing viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid, and capable of providing vibration feedback by generating vibration by being repeatedly compressed and restored in shape when an alternating current magnetic field is applied.