Resonant Vibration Module Control for Wide-Range Haptic Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unbalanced electric motor vibration-generating units are inefficient, produce destructive forces, and limited in the range of vibrational frequencies and forces they can produce, leading to rapid deterioration of motor parts and reduced device lifetimes.
Innovation Solution
The use of oscillating resonant modules (ORMs) that produce vibrational forces through the back-and-forth oscillation of a weight along a path, controlled by a controller to specify the frequency of driving oscillations, allowing for optimal power consumption and maximal vibration energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If unbalanced electric motors are used to generate vibrations, then vibrational forces are produced, but motor parts deteriorate rapidly and device lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rotational unbalance to generate vibration, the patent inverts the approach by using linear reciprocating motion of a mass along a guided path. This inversion eliminates the destructive centrifugal forces associated with rotational unbalance while maintaining the ability to generate controlled vibrational forces through electromagnetic actuation of the linearly moving mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional rotational mechanical unbalance system with an electromagnetic actuation system that directly drives linear reciprocating motion. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed rotation and associated mechanical stresses, thereby improving reliability while maintaining vibrational force generation capability.
2Force
If unbalanced electric motors are used to generate vibrations, then vibrational forces are produced, but power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating motion of the mass along a defined path, alternating between forward and backward strokes. This periodic action allows the system to generate vibrational forces only when needed during the reciprocation cycles, rather than requiring continuous high-speed rotation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective vibrational output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from high-speed continuous rotation to controlled linear reciprocation at optimized velocities. By adjusting the speed, amplitude, and duty cycle of the reciprocating motion, the system achieves effective vibrational force generation with lower average power consumption compared to traditional unbalanced motors operating at high rotational speeds.
3Force
If unbalanced electric motors are used to generate vibrations, then vibrational forces are produced, but the range of vibrational frequencies and forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can independently adjust the amplitude, frequency, and waveform of the mass's reciprocating motion. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to a wide range of vibrational requirements, providing both low-frequency gentle vibrations and high-frequency intense vibrations, as well as varying force magnitudes, thereby achieving superior versatility compared to fixed-characteristic unbalanced motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal vibration generation platform that can produce multiple types of vibrational patterns through a single reciprocating mass mechanism. By controlling the motion profile of the mass along its path, the system can generate various frequencies and force levels, making it adaptable to diverse applications ranging from subtle haptic feedback to intense vibrational processing, thus achieving multi-functionality.
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
ORMs achieve efficient and directional vibrational forces, extending device lifetimes, reducing power consumption, and enabling the production of a wide range of vibrational frequencies and forces, surpassing the limitations of unbalanced electric motors.
Implementation Method 1
A typical ORM includes a housing, a weight or mass that can move within the housing along a path, and an actuator that produces oscillating or reciprocating motion of the weight or mass along the path
Data Source
AI summary
The current document is directed to various types of oscillating resonant modules (“ORMs”), including linear-resonant vibration modules, that can be incorporated in a wide variety of appliances, devices, and systems to provide vibrational forces. The vibrational forces are produced ley back-and-forth oscillation of a weight or member along a path, generally a segment of a space curve. A controller controls each of one or more ORMs to produce driving oscillations according to a control curve or control pattern for the ORM that specifies the frequency of the driving oscillations with respect to time. The driving oscillations, in turn, elicit a desired vibration response in the device, appliance, or system in which the one or more ORMs are included. The desired vibration response is achieved by selecting and scaling control patterns in view of known resonance frequencies of the device, appliance, or system.