Piezoelectric Driving Device for Spatial Tactile Sensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional tactile sensation technologies using ultrasonic waves in space lack realism and are inefficient due to high power consumption and noise generation, as they require multiple transducers to convey tactile sensations.

Innovation Solution

A driving device generates a driving signal with specific waveform modulation, using a first low-frequency wave (1 Hz to 100 Hz) and a second low-frequency wave (100 Hz to 300 Hz) to modulate a high-frequency wave (20 kHz to 100 kHz), allowing for realistic tactile sensations by targeting specific skin receptors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If many transducers are used to output ultrasonic waves for providing three-dimensional tactile sensation, then the tactile sensation can be provided in space, but power consumption increases and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional tactile sensation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple low-frequency waves (first and second modulated waves) to modulate a single high-frequency carrier wave, replacing the need for multiple separate transducers. This merging approach achieves the same tactile sensation effect while reducing the number of transducers and thus lowering power consumption and noise generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameters of the tactile sensation delivery by using amplitude modulation and frequency modulation techniques. By modulating a high-frequency carrier wave with low-frequency waves, the system delivers tactile sensations across different frequency ranges that stimulate various skin receptors, achieving versatile three-dimensional tactile sensation with a single transducer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If many transducers are used to output ultrasonic waves for providing three-dimensional tactile sensation, then the tactile sensation can be provided in space, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional tactile sensation capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple transducers into a single transducer by using signal modulation techniques. The single transducer outputs a modulated high-frequency wave that contains multiple frequency components, achieving the same noise-reducing effect as using multiple transducers would have, but without the additional noise from multiple operating devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a single transducer is used with modulated waves, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to provide realistic tactile sensation must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtactile sensation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal and spectral parameters of the wave signal by applying amplitude modulation and frequency modulation. This allows a single transducer to deliver a rich spectrum of frequencies that stimulate different types of skin receptors (Meissner's corpuscles for 1-100 Hz, Pacinian corpuscles for 100-300 Hz), maintaining high-quality tactile sensation while consuming less power than multiple transducers would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a realistic tactile sensation with reduced power consumption and noise, utilizing amplitude or frequency modulation to effectively engage Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles, enhancing the tactile experience without the need for multiple transducers.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element; a driving signal having a waveform obtained by using, as a first modulated wave, a first low-frequency wave having a frequency of 1 Hz or more and less than 100 Hz, using, as a second modulated wave, a waveform obtained by modulating an amplitude of a second low-frequency wave having a frequency of 100 Hz or more and 300 Hz or less with the first modulated wave, and modulating a high-frequency wave having a frequency of 20 kHz or more and 100 kHz or less with the second modulated wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

transducers each including a piezoelectric element and arranged to cause ultrasonic waves to converge to a point in a space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS11711030B2Driving device, tactile sensation providing apparatus, and driving method

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 TAIYO YUDEN KK

AI summary

A driving device generates a driving signal and outputs the driving signal to a piezoelectric element, the driving signal having a waveform obtained by using, as a first modulated wave, a first low-frequency wave having a frequency of 1 Hz or more and less than 100 Hz, using, as a second modulated wave, a waveform obtained by modulating an amplitude of a second low-frequency wave having a frequency of 100 Hz or more and 300 Hz or less with the first modulated wave, and modulating a high-frequency wave having a frequency of 20 kHz or more and 100 kHz or less with the second modulated wave.