Multi-Coil Haptic Actuator with Protruding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic systems require multiple actuators to provide diverse tactile feedback, which increases complexity and weight, limiting their effectiveness in delivering varied haptic effects.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device utilizing a magnet and conductive material with coaxially arranged coils, where each coil is connected to a protruding element, allowing for independent energization to create different tactile effects on the user's skin, reducing the need for multiple actuators by using a magnetic field to mobilize the elements and generate haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to provide diverse tactile feedback, then the variety of haptic effects is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple haptic functions by selectively energizing different coils (first coil for linear movement, second coil for rotational movement) within the same magnetic field, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple coil elements and protruding elements into a single integrated actuator assembly that operates within a shared magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet, merging functions that would otherwise require separate actuators into one unified structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to provide diverse tactile feedback, then the variety of haptic effects is improved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
One actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple haptic functions by selectively energizing different coils (first coil for linear movement, second coil for rotational movement) within the same magnetic field, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple coil elements and protruding elements into a single integrated actuator assembly that operates within a shared magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet, merging functions that would otherwise require separate actuators into one unified structure
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 a robust and versatile haptic system capable of producing multiple haptic effects with reduced complexity and weight, suitable for various applications including VR, AR, and MR systems, by selectively energizing coils to create specific tactile impacts on the user.
Implementation Method 1
The gap is configured such that a magnetic field is generated in the gap by the magnet
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of coils connected to a respective one of a plurality of protruding elements, and each of the plurality of protruding elements being configured to produce a respective contact with an object when the respective coil is energized
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic device including a magnet, a rigid and conductive material arranged with respect to the magnet so as to create a gap between the magnet and the rigid and conductive material is disclosed. The haptic device is configured such that a magnetic field is generated in the gap by the magnet. The haptic device also includes a plurality of coils each connected to a respective one of a plurality of protruding elements where each of the plurality of coils are configured to be positioned within the gap. Each of the plurality of protruding elements are configured to produce a respective contact with an object when the respective coil is energized. In some embodiments, the object is a hand of a user.