Multi-Actuator Haptic Feedback Superposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current haptic actuators in wearable devices either have low displacement output, requiring high power and being inefficient, or are large and bulky, compromising comfort and packability.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple actuators at distinct spatial locations on a wearable device, activated simultaneously to produce a single, stronger haptic response by matching mechanical impedance with the user's body, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a single haptic actuator is used in a wearable device, then the device structure is simple, but the haptic response magnitude is insufficient and energy efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic response magnitudeVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple haptic actuators (at least two) to operate simultaneously, merging their individual haptic responses into a unified perceived response. This combination allows the system to achieve greater haptic response magnitude while distributing the energy load across multiple actuators, improving overall energy efficiency compared to using a single high-power actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the haptic feedback function by using multiple distributed actuators instead of a single centralized actuator. Each actuator can be independently controlled and optimized for lower power consumption, while collectively providing the required haptic response magnitude through their combined effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If high power is used to achieve sufficient haptic response, then the haptic feedback magnitude is adequate, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback magnitudeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the output of multiple low-power actuators, the system achieves the required haptic feedback magnitude without relying on a single high-power actuator. The combined haptic responses superimpose to create sufficient force feedback while each individual actuator operates at lower power levels, reducing total energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If mechanical impedance is matched with the user's body, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidimpedance matching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the mechanical impedance parameters of the actuator assembly by configuring multiple actuators with specific stiffness and damping characteristics. This parameter optimization enables efficient energy transfer to the user's body while maintaining a manageable device structure through systematic design of the multi-actuator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Force

If multiple actuators are used to provide stronger haptic response, then the haptic feedback magnitude increases, but the device size and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombined haptic responseVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent distributes multiple actuators at distinct spatial locations on the wearable device rather than concentrating them in one location. This segmentation allows the haptic forces to be delivered across different contact points on the user's body, achieving stronger overall haptic response while maintaining a compact and comfortable device form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach allows for efficient energy transfer, providing a stronger and more comfortable haptic feedback experience while maintaining the compactness and comfort of wearable devices.

Implementation Method 1

respective haptic responses generated by the at least two actuators are superimposed (e.g., as sensed by a user) to generate a combined haptic response having a magnitude greater than the respective haptic responses generated by one of the at least two actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperposition:

Implementation Method 2

match mechanical impedance with the actuator assemblies and the portion of user's body to allow a user to perceive the provided haptic feedback by the actuators as a single haptic response

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance matching:

Data Source

PatentUS20250138641A1Systems and methods for producing stronger perceived haptic responses

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A device configured to provide haptic feedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least two actuators, at distinct spatial locations, are coupled to a wearable structure configured to be worn on a portion of a user's body. The device is configured to, in response to receiving an indication from a communicatively coupled device, simultaneously actuate the at least two actuators using a first predetermined haptic signal, such that respective haptic responses generated by the at least two actuators are superimposed to generate a combined haptic response having a magnitude greater than the respective haptic responses generated by the at least two actuators.