Rotatable Push Actuator for Variable Seat Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats that provide haptic effects, such as massaging, lack flexibility in haptic output and do not offer an enhanced sensory experience.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a push structure that can rotate and morph into an activated configuration, increasing its dimension and changing the position of the push structure, providing both a pushing and turning sensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional actuator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the haptic output flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The push structure is designed to rotate dynamically during actuator operation, transitioning from a static linear push to a dynamic rotating motion. This rotational capability allows the actuator to provide varied haptic sensations (pushing and turning) without requiring multiple separate actuators, thus improving haptic output flexibility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The push structure serves both as a linear actuator and a rotational element, enabling the actuator to provide both pushing and turning sensations. This multi-functionality improves adaptability while avoiding the need for separate components for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed push structure is used, then the actuator morphology is simple, but the sensory experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The push structure transitions from a fixed position to a rotatable configuration during operation. This dynamic behavior allows the actuator to change its morphology and provide varied sensory experiences (linear pushing followed by rotational turning) without requiring complex reconfigurable mechanisms, as the rotation is integrated into the basic actuator operation
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator is configured to provide an enhanced haptic or massaging sensation to a user. The actuator can include an outer body member. The actuator can include a push structure operatively connected to the outer body member. The push structure can be configured to rotate. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension of the actuator increases and such that a position of the push structure changes.