Multi-Actuator Tactile Vibration Driver for Headphones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio systems fail to effectively generate tactile vibrations that can be felt by users, particularly in headphones, due to the limitations of single-actuator designs that struggle to fit comfortably on non-planar surfaces and provide adequate bass frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tactile vibration driver with multiple actuators, including a plurality of voice coil/magnet pairs, which are driven at the same operating frequency to generate vibrations on non-planar surfaces, allowing for a multi-actuator transducer configuration that can conform to the shape of a user's head or other anatomical features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-actuator design is used in headphones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate adequate tactile vibrations on non-planar surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single actuator into multiple separate actuators (typically three voice coil/magnet pairs), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows each actuator to independently contact and vibrate different regions of the non-planar surface, thereby achieving better conformance to complex geometries while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point actuation approach to a distributed multi-point actuation system. By placing multiple actuators at different spatial locations on the non-planar surface, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the vibration generation, enabling simultaneous vibration of multiple surface regions and achieving comprehensive tactile coverage that a single actuator cannot provide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to generate tactile vibrations on non-planar surfaces, then the adaptability to anatomical features is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multiple actuators to perform the same fundamental function (generating tactile vibrations) but at different locations and orientations. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to various anatomical features and non-planar surfaces without requiring different types of actuators, thereby achieving high adaptability while controlling device complexity through functional uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple voice coil/magnet pair actuators into a single integrated tactile vibration generation system. By merging these actuators into a coordinated system that operates in unison or in controlled patterns, the patent achieves the adaptability benefits of multiple contact points while managing the overall device complexity through unified control and integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional audio drivers are used, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the tactile vibration generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tactile vibration generation function from the conventional audio driver's primary acoustic function. By separating the voice coil/magnet pairs from the traditional diaphragm-based acoustic radiation system and applying them directly to non-planar surfaces, the patent enables dedicated tactile vibration generation that complements the acoustic output, thereby addressing insufficient bass frequencies without compromising the manufacturing precision of conventional audio drivers.
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 solution enables the generation of enhanced tactile responses, particularly in bass frequencies, that can be felt by users, improving the overall listening experience by providing vibrations on asymmetric, non-planar surfaces and in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic members attached to the at least one rigid member and configured to drive oscillating movement of the at least one rigid member and the at least one suspension member
Data Source
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AI summary
A tactile vibration driver (450) for use in a headphone (302) includes a support structure (520), at least one suspension member (512, 514) suspending at least one rigid member (502, 504) relative to the support structure (520), and a plurality of magnetic members (556) attached to the at least one rigid member (502, 504) and configured to drive oscillating movement of the at least one rigid member (502, 504) and the at least one suspension member (512, 514) so as to produce tactile vibrations during operation of the tactile vibration driver (450). An audio system includes the tactile vibration driver (450). A method of operating an audio system includes driving a plurality of magnetic members (556) attached to a rigid member (502, 504) of the tactile vibration driver (450) to cause oscillations of the plurality of magnetic members (556) and the rigid member (502, 504) relative to a suspension member (512, 514) and producing tactile vibrations responsive to receipt of an electrical signal.