Vibration generator, tactile presentation device, and seat system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration generators struggle to generate sufficient vibration intensity when disposed in flexible or thin portions, such as seat cushions, due to limitations in vibration direction and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vibration generator design that includes a vibrator vibrating in a direction orthogonal to the surface, utilizing an elastic support and a weight to generate a rotational moment, allowing for vibration transmission through a flexible cushion member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional vibration generator is disposed in a flexible or thin portion such as a seat cushion, then the device can be integrated into the seat structure, but the vibration intensity is insufficient due to limitations in vibration direction and transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a weight component that creates rotational motion, transforming the vibration from a single linear direction to a two-dimensional rotational vibration. This dimensional change allows the vibration generator to effectively transmit vibration through flexible cushion materials by utilizing rotational dynamics rather than simple linear oscillation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric mass distribution by adding a weight component offset from the vibration axis. This asymmetry creates an unbalanced rotational force that generates more effective vibration transmission through the flexible seat cushion structure, overcoming the limitations of symmetric conventional designs.
2Device complexity
If the vibrator vibrates in a direction parallel to the seat surface, then the structure can be simplified, but the Z-directional component of vibration is insufficient for effective tactile sensation
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the weight component that creates rotational motion, the system transforms single-axis linear vibration into multi-axis rotational vibration. This automatically generates the desired Z-directional component without requiring additional structural complexity or separate vibration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight component serves multiple functions: it creates rotational motion, generates Z-directional vibration, and enhances overall vibration intensity. This single component achieves what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while delivering enhanced tactile sensation.
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 design effectively generates vibration intensity perpendicular to the surface, enhancing tactile sensation by increasing the Z-directional component of vibration, even in thin and flexible structures like seat cushions.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force for magnetically attracting the vibrator including the permanent magnet in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a weight provided in a part of the housing located toward a second direction crossing the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration generator is provided and includes: a housing; a vibrator housed in the housing and including a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil; an elastic support housed in the housing and elastically supporting the vibrator; a drive part housed and provided in the housing and including the electromagnetic coil capable of generating a force for magnetically attracting the vibrator including the permanent magnet in a first direction, or the permanent magnet capable of generating the force for magnetically attracting the vibrator including the electromagnetic coil in the first direction; and a weight provided in a part of the housing located toward a second direction crossing the first direction.