Planar PCB Motor with Segmented Coils for Variable Vibration Frequencies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor technologies in mobile devices are limited in generating a range of vibration frequencies, restricting the differentiation of notifications to users, as most humans can only reliably remember a few single-frequency vibration patterns.
Innovation Solution
The development of vibratory electric motors constructed on a planar substrate using spiral-shaped conductive traces and coil configurations, allowing for the production of linear vibratory motion and varied vibration frequencies through electromagnetic interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small DC rotary motors or piezoelectric vibrators are used, then the device maintains a compact form factor, but the vibration frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is segmented into multiple independent coil groups (first, second, third, and fourth coil groups) arranged around the peripheral opening. Each coil group can be independently controlled to generate vibrations at different frequencies, enabling a wide vibration frequency range while maintaining a compact planar structure on the PCB substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional three-dimensional motor structures to a planar two-dimensional configuration where coil groups are arranged on the PCB substrate around a peripheral opening. This dimensional change enables compact integration while providing multiple degrees of freedom for vibration generation through independent coil control.
2Device complexity
If single-frequency vibration patterns are used, then the motor structure remains simple, but the ability to differentiate notifications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motor employs dynamic control of multiple coil groups that can operate at different frequencies and combinations. By dynamically adjusting which coil groups are activated and at what frequencies, the system generates diverse vibration patterns (e.g., simultaneous vibrations at different frequencies, sequential vibrations) that provide rich notification differentiation while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes periodic vibration patterns generated by alternating current through the coil groups. By varying the frequency, duration, and combination of periodic vibrations from different coil groups, the system creates distinguishable notification patterns without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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
Enables the creation of distinctive vibration patterns that can be identified by users, enhancing the ability to differentiate different types of notifications in mobile devices by producing a wide range of vibration frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic drive element is retained in the opening and moves perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate in response to a signal applied to the stator
Implementation Method 2
spiral-shaped conductive traces that overlay the front and/or back surfaces of the substrate... producing linear vibratory motion and varied vibration frequencies through electromagnetic interactions
Data Source
AI summary
The present document discloses motors and motor components that are constructed on a planar substrate. In some implementations, the planar substrate is made from rigid or semi-rigid sheet material, such as a printed circuit board (“PCB”). One or more coils are formed using spiral-shaped conductive traces that overlay the front and/or back surfaces of the substrate. In one implementation, a plurality of alternating right-hand and left-hand spiral-shaped conductive traces are separated by insulating layers, and connected with conductive vias to form inductive coils. Alternative coil-configurations include single-drive counter-wound coils and coils having a central ferrous or magnetic core.