Offset Spring-Mass Actuator for Human-Sensible Low-Frequency Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current low frequency vibrating actuator devices are not capable of generating vibrations within the human-sensible frequency range, limiting their application in fields such as touch screens, VR/AR, and bio-diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A low frequency vibrating actuator device is designed with a spring structure that includes a first thin-film, a first spacer, and a second spacer, which are horizontally offset, and a vibrating mass part, allowing for a resonance frequency in the range of 100 Hz to 500 Hz, enhancing vibration displacement and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional actuator is used to generate vibration, then the actuator can produce high frequency vibrations, but the vibration frequency is not within the human-sensible range (below 100 Hz)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration principles by designing a spring structure with a vibrating mass part that resonates at low frequencies (100-500 Hz). The spring structure includes a first thin-film, first spacer, and second spacer that are horizontally offset, creating a mechanical system capable of resonating within the human-sensible frequency range. This directly addresses the contradiction by using mechanical resonance to achieve human-perceptible vibration frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the vibration system by introducing a spring structure with specific geometric configurations (horizontally offset spacers) and a vibrating mass part. These parameter changes transform the actuator's output from high-frequency imperceptible vibrations to low-frequency human-sensible vibrations in the 100-500 Hz range, resolving the frequency range contradiction.
2Power
If the actuator generates high frequency vibration, then the vibration can be produced effectively, but the vibration displacement is insufficient for human perception
Solution Approach 1:
The spring structure with horizontally offset spacers creates a mechanical resonance system that amplifies vibration displacement at low frequencies. The vibrating mass part, when resonated at 100-500 Hz, produces sufficient displacement for human perception while maintaining effective vibration output, resolving the contradiction between power and displacement.
3Device complexity
If a simple actuator structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot generate low frequency vibrations within the human-sensible range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration generation system into distinct functional components: an actuator for generating driving force, a spring structure with horizontally offset spacers for frequency transformation, and a vibrating mass part for resonance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve low-frequency human-sensible vibrations (100-500 Hz) while maintaining relatively simple individual components, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring structure acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the vibrating mass part. It transforms the actuator's high-frequency output into low-frequency resonance (100-500 Hz) that is human-perceptible, while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity to achieve the desired frequency range.
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
The device effectively generates low frequency vibrations that are perceivable by humans, with a displacement of about 10 μm or more and a vibration output of several tens of mN, improving tactile feedback and massage efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to generate a vibration by receiving a voltage
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a resonance frequency in the range of 100 Hz to 500 Hz, enhancing vibration displacement and output
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a low frequency vibrating actuator device including an actuator configured to generate a vibration by receiving a voltage, a spring structure disposed on the actuator, and a vibrating mass part disposed on the spring structure. Here, the spring structure includes a first thin-film, a first spacer disposed between the first thin-film and the actuator, and a second spacer disposed between the first thin-film and the vibrating mass part. Also, the first spacer and the second spacer are horizontally offset from each other.