Piezoelectric Haptic Resonator with Multi-Frequency Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional haptic feedback systems that utilize multiple actuators to achieve multiple resonance frequencies are cumbersome, power-intensive, and costly, lacking efficient solutions for providing enhanced haptic feedback while minimizing weight and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a resonator with multiple projections of different physical properties, coupled with a piezoelectric actuator, which generates haptic feedback effects at distinct resonance frequencies, allowing for enhanced haptic experiences with reduced power consumption by vibrating at resonance frequencies of each projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used to achieve multiple resonance frequencies, then haptic feedback variety is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback varietyVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple resonating elements into a single integrated resonator structure with multiple projections. Each projection has different physical properties (mass, stiffness, geometry) to provide different resonance frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators while maintaining haptic feedback variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single resonator structure serves multiple functions by providing multiple resonance frequencies through its different projections. This multi-functional design allows one actuator to replace multiple actuators, reducing device weight while maintaining adaptability for various haptic feedback effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used to achieve multiple resonance frequencies, then haptic feedback variety is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback varietyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single piezoelectric actuator that drives a unified resonator structure. This consolidation reduces the total power consumption compared to operating multiple independent actuators, while still achieving multiple resonance frequencies through the different projections of the resonator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single piezoelectric actuator performs multiple actuation functions by exciting different projections of the resonator at their respective resonance frequencies. This multi-functional approach reduces power consumption by eliminating redundant actuator operations while maintaining haptic feedback variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used to achieve multiple resonance frequencies, then haptic feedback variety is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback varietyVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple actuator components into a single resonator-actuator assembly. This consolidation reduces device complexity and cost by eliminating the need for multiple independent actuators, control circuits, and mounting structures, while still providing multiple resonance frequencies through the integrated resonator design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single resonator structure provides multiple resonance frequencies, making it a multi-functional component that replaces several actuators. This reduces device complexity and cost by minimizing the number of components, assembly steps, and control systems required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Weight of moving object

If a single actuator is used, then device weight is reduced, but achieving multiple resonance frequencies becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidresonance frequency variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator is segmented into multiple projections with different physical properties (mass, stiffness, geometry). Each projection can resonate at a different frequency, allowing a single actuator to excite multiple resonance frequencies by selectively activating different segments of the resonator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different projections of the resonator are designed with local variations in physical properties (mass distribution, stiffness, geometry) to create distinct resonance frequencies. This local quality differentiation enables a single actuator to produce multiple resonance frequencies by exciting specific regions of the resonator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system provides a variety of enhanced haptic feedback effects with reduced power consumption by leveraging the unique resonance frequencies of each projection, offering stronger and more efficient haptic experiences without the need for multiple actuators.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the resonator and operable to output a haptic effect at the first resonance frequency and at the second resonance frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a resonator comprising a base and a plurality of projections, a first of the plurality of projections having a first resonance frequency and a second of the plurality of projections having a second resonance frequency different from the first resonance frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2488266B1Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies
Publication Date: 2016.06.22 IMMERSION CORP
  • EP2488266B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2488266B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2488266B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies are disclosed. For example, one disclosed apparatus includes a resonator with a base and a plurality of projections, a first projection of the plurality of projections having a first resonance frequency and a second projection of the plurality of projections having a second resonance frequency, and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the resonator and operable to output a haptic feedback effect at the first resonance frequency and at the second resonance frequency.