Resonator Frequency Control Using Phase Difference Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear resonant actuators face challenges in accurately matching and maintaining resonance frequency due to variations with the magnitude of the actuator input signal, making it difficult to predict and input the resonance frequency accurately.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method that includes a control unit, phase difference detection unit, and frequency variation unit to control the resonator element by detecting phase differences between voltage and current, and adjusting the frequency of a first clock signal to converge the operating frequency to the resonance frequency using a feedback topology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the resonance frequency is matched to maximize operating efficiency, then the vibration is maximized and energy loss is minimized, but the resonance frequency varies with the magnitude of the actuator input signal making it difficult to accurately predict and match

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy loss of vibrationVSAvoidaccuracy of resonance frequency matching
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operating frequency is continuously adjusted based on the magnitude of the input signal. The controller monitors the input signal magnitude and dynamically modifies the driving frequency to track the varying resonance frequency, ensuring the actuator operates at optimal efficiency points despite frequency drift caused by signal magnitude changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static frequency approach to a dynamic frequency adjustment strategy. The driving frequency is made variable and adaptive, changing in real-time according to the input signal magnitude. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain resonance conditions across different operating levels, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and frequency matching accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the magnitude of the input signal changes to adjust operating conditions, then the force acting on the vibrating body changes, but the motion and inertia of the vibrating body change affecting the resonance frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of operating conditionsVSAvoidstability of resonance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses feedback from the input signal magnitude to continuously adjust the driving frequency. This closed-loop control compensates for the frequency shifts caused by changes in motion and inertia, maintaining stable resonance conditions despite varying operating parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the driving frequency parameter in response to changes in input signal magnitude. By adjusting this key parameter dynamically, the system adapts to changing operating conditions while maintaining resonance, effectively decoupling the stability of resonance frequency from the variability of operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed frequency is used to simplify control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating efficiency decreases when the resonance frequency varies with input signal magnitude

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of frequency controlVSAvoidoperating efficiency of actuator
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback-based frequency adjustment mechanism that adds minimal complexity to the control system. The controller monitors input signal magnitude and automatically adjusts the driving frequency, providing adaptability without requiring complex external frequency synthesis equipment or multiple hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-adjustment of the driving frequency based on its own monitoring of the input signal magnitude. This self-service capability allows the actuator to maintain optimal efficiency without external intervention or complex control algorithms, achieving high productivity with relatively simple integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 precise operation of the resonator element at resonance frequency by eliminating phase differences through frequency adjustments, enhancing operating efficiency and output performance.

Implementation Method 1

When current flows through the coil, a magnetic field is generated around the coil, the force generated by the magnetic field acts on the vibrating body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

it is advantageous to operate at the resonance frequency where the vibration is maximized by the resonance phenomenon to maximize the momentum of the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12479006B2Electronic device and method for operating resonator element at resonance frequency
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 IRON DEVICE CORP
  • US12479006B2 patent drawing
  • US12479006B2 patent drawing
  • US12479006B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is provided an electronic device for operating a resonator element at a resonance frequency, the electronic device includes: a control unit configured to control driving of the resonator element connected to an output terminal of an amplifier unit in a manner in which a drive signal is acquired according to a first clock signal and input to the amplifier unit; a phase difference detection unit configured to detect a phase difference between a voltage and a current at the output terminal of the amplifier unit; and a frequency variation unit configured to vary a frequency of the first clock signal based on the phase difference detected by the phase difference detection unit, to converge an operating frequency of the resonator element to the resonance frequency.