Single-Actuator Audio Haptics With Resonance Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio and haptic output systems require separate actuators due to different frequency bands, leading to increased cost, system complexity, and potential actuator damage from inter-part collisions.

Innovation Solution

An audio haptic output apparatus that uses a single actuator to combine audio and haptic signals by controlling frequency characteristics, preventing actuator damage and reducing system complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate actuators are used for audio and haptic output, then sufficient performance for both functions is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance sufficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the audio actuator and haptic actuator into a single integrated actuator that can perform both audio output and haptic output functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining sufficient performance for both audio and haptic applications through unified control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated actuator is designed with multi-functionality to serve both audio and haptic purposes. By enabling a single actuator to perform multiple functions through frequency-based control and signal processing, the system achieves universality that reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the performance requirements of both audio and haptic output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If haptic actuator is used for audio output, then system complexity is reduced, but inter-part collision and actuator damage occur due to large vibration displacement at resonance frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidactuator reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating frequency of the integrated actuator based on the desired output function. When audio output is required, the actuator operates at frequencies above its resonance frequency to avoid excessive vibration displacement. When haptic output is needed, it operates at or near the resonance frequency. This dynamic frequency adjustment prevents inter-part collision and actuator damage while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the actuator depending on the required function. By controlling the frequency characteristics and using frequency-based signal processing, the system ensures that the actuator operates in appropriate frequency ranges - avoiding resonance frequency during audio output to prevent large vibrations and collisions, while utilizing resonance frequency during haptic output for effective vibration generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If audio actuator is used for haptic output, then system complexity is reduced, but vibration power is insufficient due to weak low-frequency signal output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidvibration power
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the operating mode of the integrated actuator based on the required output type. For haptic output, the actuator is driven at its resonance frequency where it generates maximum vibration power. For audio output, it operates at higher frequencies. This dynamic operation ensures sufficient vibration power for haptic applications while maintaining audio quality, all through a single actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in frequency and signal characteristics to enable the single actuator to deliver sufficient vibration power for haptic output. By processing input signals to generate appropriate frequency components and controlling the actuator's resonance behavior, the system ensures that the actuator produces adequate vibration power when haptic output is required, despite being a single unit designed for both purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 high-quality audio and haptic output with enhanced reliability and lifespan, while reducing system complexity and cost, and allowing for flexible design without separate speaker holes.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator which outputs at least one of an audio and a haptic based on an input signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

due to resonance frequency characteristics of the actuator, the haptic and the audio are generally used by configuring a separate system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4726528A1Audio haptic output device and home appliance including same
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4726528A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4726528A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4726528A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an audio haptic output apparatus and a home appliance include: a touch panel; a memory storing a plurality of effect data corresponding to a plurality of touch inputs; a processor calling the effect data matched with the touch input through the touch panel from the memory, and generating an audio signal; a speaker amplifier amplifying and outputting a signal based on the audio signal; and an actuator outputting at least one of an audio and a haptic based on the output signal of the speaker amplifier, and the processor or the speaker amplifier converts and outputs the frequency characteristics of the audio signal when the effect data matched with the touch input through the touch panel includes audio data.