Multi-Actuator Vibration Device for Compact Wearable Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear vibration actuators require enlargement to achieve sufficient vibration, which restricts miniaturization and increases housing size, making it difficult to achieve a greater physically-felt vibration without increasing the actuator size.
Innovation Solution
A configuration of multiple linear resonant actuators are arranged on opposite sides of the housing's center of gravity, vibrating in antiphase to enhance vibration amplitude while maintaining a compact size, utilizing a combination of magnetic and metal springs for efficient resonance frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the vibration actuator is enlarged to achieve sufficient vibration, then the vibration amplitude is improved, but the housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration generation function into multiple independent vibration actuators (at least two) instead of using a single large actuator. Each actuator operates independently and can be positioned at different locations within the housing, allowing the system to achieve sufficient vibration amplitude without requiring each individual actuator to be large, thus avoiding housing enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple vibration actuators to achieve the desired vibration effect. By coordinating the operation of multiple smaller actuators, the system merges their individual vibration contributions to produce sufficient overall vibration amplitude, eliminating the need for a single large actuator that would require larger housing space.
2Force
If multiple vibration actuators are added to increase vibration, then the vibration amplitude is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of vibration actuators relative to the housing's center of gravity, with actuators arranged on opposite sides at different orientations. This asymmetric configuration allows the actuators to work together efficiently to generate vibration while maintaining compact housing dimensions and avoiding the complexity of symmetric multi-actuator arrangements.
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 configuration allows for a greater physically-felt vibration without enlarging the vibration actuators, enabling efficient miniaturization and reducing power consumption while maintaining effective vibration amplitude and acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
the mover being slidable with respect to a shaft vibrates linearly in a vibration direction with respect to the stator by cooperation between the coil and the magnet
Implementation Method 2
the movable body supported elastically by a fixing body, the movable body being linearly vibrated with respect to the fixing body at a resonance frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration apparatus, which is provided with vibration actuators with which a moving body elastically supported on a fixed body can be vibrated linearly with respect to the fixed body at a resonance frequency, has a mounting case in which multiple vibration actuators are mounted. The multiple vibration actuators oscillate at roughly the same resonance frequency, and in a manner such that the respective oscillation axis lines along the oscillation directions of the moving bodies are parallel to each other and that the center of gravity of the mounting case is interposed between the oscillation axis lines, the vibration actuators are disposed in orientations according to which the actuators excite oscillations in mutually opposite directions on the respective oscillation axis lines.