MRE Haptic Module for Thin, Variable Local Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic devices struggle to provide versatile haptic sensations with adjustable driving force while maintaining a thin configuration and requiring less energy.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device and module that incorporate a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) vibration unit coupled with an elastic support unit, allowing for various haptic patterns and local haptic sensations through a dual injection structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional haptic actuators (LRA, piezoelectric, electrostatic) are used, then reliable haptic feedback is achieved, but the device thickness and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the magnetorheological elastomer's property of changing stiffness in response to magnetic field intensity. By adjusting the magnetic field parameters, the system achieves variable haptic feedback characteristics without requiring multiple discrete components, thereby reducing overall device thickness while maintaining reliable haptic feedback across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating magnetorheological elastomer (a composite of magnetic particles in an elastic matrix) with magnetic field generation components. This composite structure enables the vibration unit to achieve both structural integrity and haptic actuation functionality in a compact configuration, reducing device thickness while ensuring reliable haptic feedback.
2Reliability
If conventional haptic actuators are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes energy consumption parameters by leveraging the magnetorheological elastomer's ability to adjust stiffness dynamically. This allows the actuator to operate more efficiently by matching the mechanical impedance to the load requirements, reducing energy waste and overall power consumption while maintaining reliable haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a vibration unit with variable stiffness characteristics through magnetic field control. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize energy consumption by adapting the mechanical properties in real-time based on operational conditions, thereby reducing overall energy usage while preserving haptic feedback reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If single injection structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but local haptic sensations cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vibration unit into multiple independently controllable regions through the dual injection structure. This allows different areas of the contact surface to provide distinct haptic sensations simultaneously, enhancing versatility and adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple integrated manufacturing process for the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual injection structure implements local quality by enabling different regions of the vibration unit to have distinct material properties and haptic characteristics. This allows tailored haptic feedback in specific areas (e.g., different textures, vibration patterns, or forces) while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through a unified injection process, thus balancing ease of manufacture with enhanced adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable haptic patterns are implemented, then haptic versatility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity while achieving variable haptic patterns by utilizing parameter changes in the magnetorheological elastomer's magnetic properties. By controlling magnetic field intensity and distribution, the system generates diverse haptic patterns without requiring complex mechanical structures or multiple actuators, thereby maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration unit achieves universality by serving multiple haptic functions through a single integrated structure. The magnetorheological elastomer's ability to respond to varying magnetic field parameters enables one component to deliver multiple haptic patterns and sensations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability and versatility.
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
Enables the creation of thin, energy-efficient haptic devices capable of providing diverse haptic sensations by adjusting the driving force and utilizing a dual injection structure for local haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the shape of a magnetorheological elastomer changes in response to an attractive or repulsive force, as the N and S poles of a magnetic field produced in the solenoid coil alternate with each other according to the frequency of a voltage or current applied to the coil, and accordingly, a haptic effect is achieved
Implementation Method 2
an elastic support unit having elastic properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a haptic device and a haptic module. A haptic device according to the present invention comprises: a housing; a magnetic field generation unit disposed in the housing; an elastic support unit connected to the housing; a vibration unit which is connected to the elastic support unit, and which includes an elastic material in which magnetic particles are dispersed in a matrix; and a control unit for transmitting a signal to the magnetic field generation unit.