Remote Vibration System Using Switchable Conducting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-quality vibrating transducers capable of providing large amplitude vibrations over a range of frequencies are expensive, making it costly to provide low frequency tactile sensations to multiple locations on the body for enhanced audiovisual experiences, such as in music, games, and movies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a single vibrating transducer coupled to remote vibrating pads via a vibration conducting element and a selectively switchable connector, allowing vibrations to be transmitted selectively to multiple locations, with the transducer designed to vibrate with high amplitude over a range of frequencies, including ultra-low frequencies, and capable of providing directional sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple high-quality vibrating transducers are used to provide low frequency tactile sensations to multiple body locations, then the quality of tactile feedback is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vibration transmission path into segments: a single high-quality transducer generates vibrations, which are then transmitted through flexible conducting elements (wires or fabric-integrated conductors) to multiple remote vibrating pads distributed across the body. This segmentation allows one transducer to serve multiple locations effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible vibration conducting elements act as intermediaries between the single transducer and multiple body contact points. These conductors transmit vibrations over distance while maintaining tactile quality, enabling one transducer to provide immersive feedback to multiple body locations simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If a single transducer is used to reduce costs, then system cost is reduced, but the ability to provide vibrations to multiple locations simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single transducer is designed to serve multiple functions by connecting to numerous remote vibrating pads through flexible conducting elements. This universal design allows one transducer to provide tactile feedback to various body locations, replacing the need for multiple dedicated transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends vibration transmission from a single-point contact to a distributed multi-point system by introducing the spatial dimension of flexible conducting elements. These elements can be routed through clothing or attached to the body, enabling vibrations to reach multiple locations in three-dimensional space from a single transducer source.
3Reliability
If rigid bases are used for vibration transmission, then vibrations can be felt across the base, but the device cannot be integrated with flexible clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid vibration transmission bases with flexible conducting elements that can be integrated into clothing fabrics. These flexible conductors maintain vibration transmission capability while conforming to the soft, flexible nature of textile materials, enabling wearable integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite structures combining flexible conducting materials with fabric substrates. The vibration conducting element is either woven into the fabric or attached as a flexible layer, creating a composite material that兼具 vibration transmission properties and fabric flexibility for comfortable wearable integration.
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 an immersive experience by providing low frequency tactile sensations to multiple body locations using a single transducer, reducing costs by allowing vibrations to be transmitted to various points on the body, enhancing audiovisual experiences while providing therapeutic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
Electromechanical vibrators that are capable of providing low frequency vibrations may comprise eccentric motors or pistons that consist of solenoid and magnets that are attracted and repelled by alternating currents in the solenoid.
Implementation Method 2
at least one remote vibrating unit, said remote vibrating unit comprises vibration pads operatively coupled by a vibration conducting element to the vibration transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A system and corresponding method for providing mechanical vibrations at a distance from a vibrating transducer, the system for coupling to a housing of the vibrating transducer and comprising: at least one remote vibrating unit that comprises vibration pads operatively coupled by a vibration conducting element to the vibration transducer with a selectively switchable connector in the path between the vibration pad and the transducer, to selectively disconnect the vibration conducting element.