Rectangular-Frame Vibration Actuator for Thin Tactile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration actuators require a significant vertical thickness due to their design, leading to increased device size and complex assembly processes with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A vibration actuator with a thin plate shape, incorporating a plate-shaped elastic section to support a movable section and a magnetic core, which vibrates using a magnetic force generated by an energized coil, reducing the number of components and facilitating easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vibration actuator with a movable element reciprocating along a guide shaft is used, then vibration can be generated, but the device thickness increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movable element and magnetic components into a single integrated assembly that reciprocates as one unit. The magnetic core, coil, and movable element are combined such that the entire assembly moves together along the guide shaft, eliminating the need for separate magnetic components and reducing overall device thickness while maintaining vibration generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the magnetic components within the planar area of the movable element rather than extending them in the thickness direction. The magnetic core and coil are arranged to fit within the surface area of the movable element, allowing the vibration actuator to generate the necessary magnetic force without increasing device thickness
2Reliability
If a conventional vibration actuator with magnet, two yokes, and bobbin is used, then vibration can be generated, but the number of components increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic core, coil, and movable element into a single integrated assembly. The magnetic core is positioned within the movable element, and the coil is wound around the magnetic core, forming one unified component that reciprocates together. This merging eliminates the need for separate yokes and multiple discrete magnetic components, reducing assembly complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element serves multiple functions: it acts as the moving component for vibration generation, provides structural support for the magnetic core and coil, and functions as part of the magnetic circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure
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 actuator is easily assembled, occupies less space, and provides a suitable sense of touch while maintaining a compact form factor, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying assembly.
Implementation Method 1
one of the coil and the plate is displaced to approach the other and vibrates by a magnetic force generated by energization of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration actuator according to the present invention comprises a plate that is a magnetic body, an electromagnet that is provided on the plate and is formed by providing a coil to a center part of a core, and an elastic body that supports the core on both sides of the coil and is connected to the plate. Magnetic force generated by energization of the coil causes one of the coil or the plate to be displaced toward the other and vibrate.