Piezoelectric Tactile Actuator Structure With Separable Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sensation providing apparatuses using piezoelectric elements face damage due to external forces, particularly in directional vibrations, as the piezoelectric elements can be pulled or collide with the housing, leading to structural stress and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a vibration object with a guide and abutment system that allows the actuator's holder to separate from the abutment when an external force is applied, preventing the piezoelectric element from being pulled or colliding with the housing, and utilizing a unimorph structure with a vibration plate supported by fixed portions to induce efficient vibration while maintaining a gap between the piezoelectric element and the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the piezoelectric element is fixed rigidly to the housing, then the structure is stable, but the piezoelectric element may be damaged by external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic separation mechanism where the holder can separate from the abutment when external forces are applied in a direction opposite to the vibration direction. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to external forces while maintaining structural stability during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between rigid fixation and damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mounting structure into separate components: a holder that mounts the piezoelectric element, an abutment that provides positioning, and a separation interface between them. This segmentation allows the holder to remain attached to the piezoelectric element while separating from the abutment under external force, preventing damage while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the holder is firmly attached to the abutment, then positioning is precise, but damage occurs under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The interface between the holder and abutment is designed to be dynamically separable rather than permanently fixed. During normal operation, the holder is firmly attached to the abutment for precise positioning. When external forces are applied, the holder can separate from the abutment, allowing the system to accommodate external forces without compromising positioning precision during normal use.
3Volume of moving object
If the piezoelectric element is positioned close to the housing, then space is efficient, but collision damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the holder as an intermediary component between the piezoelectric element and the housing. The holder provides a controlled interface that maintains the piezoelectric element at an optimal distance from the housing, preventing direct collision while maintaining space efficiency. The holder acts as a buffer that can separate under external force, protecting the piezoelectric element from damage.
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 effectively prevents damage to the piezoelectric element by allowing the holder to separate from the abutment during negative directional forces and maintains efficient vibration, ensuring the apparatus provides tactile sensations without compromising the piezoelectric element's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (30) that causes the vibration object (20) to vibrate
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved structure and tactile sensation providing apparatus are provided. A structure is configured to provide a tactile sensation. The structure comprises an abutment configured to abut an actuator that causes the structure to vibrate according to expansion and contraction displacement of a piezoelectric element. The abutment is non-adherent to the actuator.