PoE Infrasound Haptic Drive for Large-Venue Seat Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing a consistent haptic experience to a large audience in an entertainment venue is challenging due to the high power requirements and the complexity of installing heavy gauge cabling for haptic devices.
Innovation Solution
An i-drive system that integrates low-frequency audio amplifiers and transducers into a single unit, powered by a power over Ethernet cable, which reduces the need for separate power sources and heavy gauge wiring, allowing for efficient distribution of haptic forces through a unified wiring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional haptic devices are used in large venues, then haptic force can be provided to users, but power requirements become excessively high and cabling becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the haptic delivery function into two segments: a central audio processing system that generates haptic signals, and distributed transducer units at each seat that convert these signals to mechanical force. This segmentation allows the power-intensive amplification and signal processing to be centralized, while individual seats receive only low-power audio signals through thin gauge cabling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary audio signal as a carrier that transmits haptic information through standard audio cabling. Instead of directly transmitting high-power control signals to each haptic actuator, the system uses audio signals as an intermediary medium that can be transmitted over long distances through thin wires, then locally converted to mechanical force at each seat.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional haptic devices are installed in large venues, then haptic experience can be provided, but installation complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal audio cabling (thin gauge speaker wire) for both power delivery and signal transmission to haptic transducers. By making the audio interface multi-functional—carrying both electrical power and haptic control signals through the same cable—the system eliminates the need for separate heavy power cabling and complex multi-conductor harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a centralized audio processing unit that generates master haptic signals, which are then copied and distributed to multiple transducer units throughout the venue. This copying approach allows a single source to control numerous haptic actuators simultaneously, enabling scalable deployment across large venues without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Power
If heavy gauge cabling is used for haptic devices, then sufficient power can be delivered, but installation becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical power delivery approach (heavy gauge power cabling) with an electrical/audio signal approach. Instead of delivering high current through thick wires to each haptic actuator, the system delivers low-power audio signals through thin gauge cabling, with power consumption minimized through efficient amplifier design and low-impedance transducer loading.
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 i-drive system effectively delivers haptic feedback to multiple users with reduced installation costs and complexity, enabling a consistent experience across a large audience without the need for bulky cabling.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer (e.g., a driver or seat driver)... outputting a haptic force to a user in contact with the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An infrasound drive system and method are disclosed. An infrasound drive system includes a control circuit for transmitting a data signal and a power signal, and one or more infrasound drive that includes an input terminal, an amplifier and a tactile transducer. In one or more infrasound drives, the amplifier receives a power signal from the power channel and a data signal from the data channel. The amplifier outputs an amplified signal to the tactile transducer. The tactile transducer generates a tactile vibration based on the data signal and the power signal. An infrasound drive can be disposed in a housing and transmit a haptic force to a user in contact with the housing. A user can limit the haptic force transmitted by the infrasound drive. The power channel and the data channel can be provided by a power over Ethernet (PoE) cable.


