Reciprocating Slide Vibration Control Without Releasing Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibration devices that provide a force sense based on vibration require users to correctly grip the device, making it cumbersome to operate switches or input units separately for controlling the device, as the operation involves detaching a body part from the grip position and returning it, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device incorporating a slide mechanism that performs periodic reciprocating motion and includes a detection unit to detect displacement, allowing for driving control of the actuator without the need to detach from the grip position, simplifying the operation by integrating the switch function into the vibration mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate switch mechanism is provided from the vibration mechanism, then the actuator can be controlled independently, but the user must detach their hand from the predetermined grip position to operate the switch, making the operation complicated and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switch mechanism and vibration mechanism into a single integrated structure. The slide mechanism serves dual purposes: it generates vibration when actuated and simultaneously functions as the input mechanism when the user applies force in the opposite direction. This merging eliminates the need for separate control components and allows users to operate the device without detaching their hand from the grip position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate switch mechanism is provided from the vibration mechanism, then the actuator can be controlled independently, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The slide mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the vibration generation mechanism and the input control mechanism. When the actuator drives the slide mechanism, vibration is generated; when the user applies force to the slide mechanism in the opposite direction, it detects the input signal. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
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 solution simplifies the operation of vibration devices by enabling users to perform driving control without removing their hand, enhancing convenience and reducing complexity in operating the device.
Implementation Method 1
a slide mechanism configured to perform a periodic reciprocating slide motion in a predetermined direction and an opposite direction to the predetermined direction with respect to the base mechanism based on the physical motion of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit located in the predetermined direction with respect to the slide mechanism and configured to detect displacement of a specific portion included in the slide mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An operation on a vibration device presenting a force sense based on vibration to a human body is simplified. The vibration device includes: a base mechanism; an actuator configured to perform a physical motion based on a supplied control signal; a slide mechanism configured to perform a periodic reciprocating slide motion in a predetermined direction and an opposite direction to the predetermined direction with respect to the base mechanism based on the physical motion of the actuator and to give a force based on the reciprocating slide motion to a part of a human body with which the slide mechanism comes into direct or indirect contact; and a detection unit located in the predetermined direction with respect to the slide mechanism and configured to detect displacement of a specific portion included in the slide mechanism. The specific portion is movable in the predetermined direction by a width greater than an amplitude at the time of the reciprocating slide motion when a force is given to the slide mechanism from the part of the human body with which the slide mechanism comes into direct or indirect contact. Driving control is performed on the actuator when the detection unit detects the specific portion moved in the predetermined direction by the width greater than the amplitude at the time of the reciprocating slide motion.