Piezoelectric Vibration Control for Stronger Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration generating devices struggle to produce a strong tactile sensation using modulated rectangular waves.
Innovation Solution
A vibration generating device that switches between periods with different frequencies, including a first period with a frequency between 100 Hz and 400 Hz for Pacinian corpuscles, a second period with a frequency between 10 Hz and 250 Hz for Meissner's corpuscles, and a third frequency between 1 Hz and 100 Hz for Merkel's discs, using piezoelectric elements in longitudinal or lateral displacement modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a modulated rectangular wave is used to vibrate the vibrator, then the vibration generating device can produce tactile sensation, but the tactile sensation strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the vibration signal into multiple periods with different frequency characteristics. The driving device alternates between a first period with higher frequency (100-400 Hz) and a second period with lower frequency (10-250 Hz), creating a periodic modulation pattern that enhances tactile sensation strength while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the vibration frequency time-dependent and adaptable. The driving device dynamically switches between different frequency ranges based on the periodic pattern, allowing the vibration characteristics to change over time rather than remaining static, which improves tactile sensation expressiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high frequency signal is supplied continuously to achieve strong tactile sensation, then tactile sensation strength improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption by using periodic action where the high-frequency signal is applied only during the first period rather than continuously. The driving device alternates between high-frequency and low-frequency periods, allowing the vibrator to rest during low-frequency periods while still maintaining tactile sensation through the periodic high-frequency stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing high-frequency vibration only for part of the time (during the first period) rather than continuously. This partial application of high-frequency signal is sufficient to stimulate tactile receptors while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous high-frequency operation.
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 approach enhances tactile sensation strength while reducing power consumption by utilizing frequency modulation techniques tailored to human skin receptors, providing distinct tactile sensations through varying frequency combinations.
Implementation Method 1
using piezoelectric elements in longitudinal or lateral displacement modes
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration generating device includes a vibrator, and a driving device configured to switch between a first period and a second period at a third frequency, the first period being a period during which a first signal having a first frequency of 100 Hz or higher and 400 Hz or lower is supplied to the vibrator, the second period being a period during which a second signal having a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency and is 10 Hz or higher and 250 Hz or lower is supplied to the vibrator, the third frequency being 1 Hz or higher and 100 Hz or less.