Reluctance Haptic Engine for Compact Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional haptic output devices in electronic devices, such as motors, occupy significant space and require large amounts of energy, leading to decreased battery life and inefficient use of device enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A reluctance haptic engine is used, comprising a core and an attractor plate with a mechanical suspension, where an electrical signal generates a reluctance force that opposes user input, minimizing additive forces and optimizing space and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional motors and actuation mechanisms are used for haptic output, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the device occupies significant space and consumes large amounts of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motors with a reluctance actuator that uses electromagnetic fields to generate haptic feedback. The actuator comprises a stator with coil windings and a rotor with permanent magnets, where electrical signals induce electromagnetic forces that produce tactile sensations without mechanical rotating components, thereby reducing energy consumption and device size while maintaining haptic feedback capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic reluctance (magnetic resistance) to generate force. By varying the air gap between the stator and rotor, the system creates reluctance forces that drive the rotor and produce haptic output. This parameter-based approach allows for efficient energy usage and compact design compared to traditional motor mechanisms
2Volume of moving object
If traditional motors are used for haptic output, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the device enclosure space is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reluctance actuator eliminates mechanical rotating components and uses electromagnetic field interactions to generate haptic feedback. This substitution reduces the number of parts and overall device volume while maintaining reliable haptic output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical motor structures to a more planar electromagnetic configuration. The stator and rotor are arranged in a compact configuration where electromagnetic forces act directly on the rotor, reducing the vertical and lateral dimensions occupied by the haptic actuator
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 reluctance haptic engine provides effective haptic feedback with reduced energy consumption and compact design, enhancing battery life and user experience by offsetting user input forces without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a core affixed to a bottom surface of the housing and comprising a conduction loop operable to receive an electrical signal... the processor configured to cause the core to generate a reluctance force by providing the electrical signal to the conduction loop
Implementation Method 2
a reluctance haptic engine configured to provide a haptic signal... a direction of a haptic force opposes a corresponding input force
Data Source
AI summary
A reluctance haptic engine for an electronic device includes a core, an attractor plate, and mechanical suspension. The core and/or the attractor plate may be coupled to an input structure, such as a button cap, a trackpad cover, or a touchscreen cover. In an unactuated configuration, flexible support members maintain a gap between the core and the attractor plate. An electrical current may be applied to one or more conduction loops of the core to actuate the reluctance haptic engine and provide a haptic output by moving the input structure. The electrical current may cause a magnetic flux that results in a reluctance force that pulls the attractor and the core together and causes the input structure to move to produce a haptic output.