Oscillatory Actuator Inner Guide Layout for Shock-Limited Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oscillatory actuators face issues with increased size due to the need for cushions to mitigate shock, excessive amplitude of oscillation, and potential deformation or damage from external impacts, particularly in devices like cell phones and game controllers.

Innovation Solution

An oscillatory actuator design featuring a cylindrical case with an electromagnetic driver, a mover supported by plate springs, and inner guides that restrict movement in both the oscillation axis and intersecting directions, with the inner guides located closer to the center than the plate springs, preventing excessive oscillation and reducing the overall size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cushions are provided on the inside of the case to mitigate shock, then shock mitigation is improved, but the size of the oscillatory actuator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock mitigationVSAvoidsize of oscillatory actuator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cushion member as an intermediary element positioned between the mover and the case. This cushion member absorbs shock during oscillation without requiring the case itself to be enlarged, thereby resolving the contradiction between shock mitigation and compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member is nested within the existing structure of the oscillatory actuator, specifically positioned in the limited space between the mover and the case. This nesting approach allows shock mitigation functionality to be integrated without increasing the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the mover is supported by a plate spring without a guide shaft, then device complexity is reduced, but radial impact causes excessive movement and component interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidprotection against impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion member is pre-positioned between the mover and the case to provide protective cushioning before any impact occurs. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive movement and component interference during radial impacts while maintaining the simple plate spring support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member converts the harmful effect of radial impacts into a beneficial protective function. Instead of allowing impacts to cause component interference, the cushion member absorbs and dissipates the impact energy, protecting the plate spring and other components from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If cushions are provided on the inner surface of the case in the radial direction, then shock mitigation is improved, but the size of the oscillatory actuator increases further

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock mitigationVSAvoidsize of oscillatory actuator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shock mitigation function into the existing structure by positioning the cushion member in the available space between the mover and the case, rather than adding separate cushioning structures on the case inner surface. This merging approach provides radial shock protection without increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design effectively reduces the size of the oscillatory actuator, limits excessive amplitude of oscillation, and prevents component interference and damage from external impacts, while maintaining normal oscillation functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic driver (3), a mover (4) that is enabled to oscillate through driving by the electromagnetic driver (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The plate spring (40a, 40b) has a plurality of arms (52a, 52b) supporting the mover (4) inside the case (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12003155B2Oscillatory actuator

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 FOSTER ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

An oscillatory actuator 1 includes a cylindrical case 2, an electromagnetic driver 3, a mover 4, a first damper 40a, and an inner guide 6a. The electromagnetic driver 3 is provided inside the case 2. The mover 4 is enabled to oscillate through driving by the electromagnetic driver 3. The first damper 40a has a plurality of arms 52a supporting the mover 4 from an inner surface of the case 2. The inner guide 6a is provided on the inner surface of the case 2 and restricts movement of the first damper 40a beyond a predetermined range. The inner guide 6a is located further toward a center of the case 2 than the first damper 40a in a direction of an oscillation axis ◯ of the mover 4.