Slotted-Coil Haptic Actuator for Lower Magnetic Bias Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic technologies face challenges in providing effective tactile feedback with efficient force transmission and reduced magnetic attraction forces, especially in space-constrained applications, which limits their ability to deliver consistent and linear motion in multiple axes.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator design featuring a base with a coil and a field member comprising spaced apart permanent magnets, a spring member for relative movement, and a ferritic body, which allows for reduced magnetic attraction forces and enhanced force transmission, particularly in the z-axis, while maintaining structural integrity and compliance in constrained dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional haptic actuator designs are used, then magnetic attraction forces are generated, but force transmission efficiency is reduced and magnetic bias forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet is segmented into multiple segments arranged in a circular pattern with alternating polarities. This segmentation creates multiple localized magnetic fields that interact with the coil, improving force transmission efficiency while reducing net magnetic bias forces through balanced attraction and repulsion across different segments
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator employs an asymmetric configuration where the permanent magnet segments are positioned at specific angular intervals around the coil rather than symmetrically. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the magnetic field interaction to enhance force transmission in the desired direction while minimizing unwanted magnetic attraction forces
2Volume of moving object
If space-constrained applications are considered, then device size is reduced, but consistent and linear motion in multiple axes becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional linear or radial actuator configurations to a planar circular arrangement where permanent magnet segments are distributed around the coil in a two-dimensional plane. This dimensional change allows the actuator to achieve consistent and linear motion in multiple axes (X, Y, Z) while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for space-constrained applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-axis motion control is implemented, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator design achieves multi-axis motion control (X, Y, and Z axes) through a single integrated configuration of coil and segmented permanent magnet. The circular arrangement of magnet segments with alternating polarities enables the system to generate forces in multiple directions without requiring separate actuators for each axis, thereby improving haptic feedback capability while avoiding increased device complexity
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 achieves reduced magnetic bias forces and consistent force transmission across a wide operational range, suitable for applications like trackpads, providing effective haptic feedback with improved mechanical control and reduced size, suitable for space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member suspending the at least one coil so that the field member is within the slotted opening and permitting relative movement of the field member and the at least one coil
Implementation Method 2
at least one coil having a loop shape defining a slotted opening therein, and a spring member suspending the at least one coil so that the field member is within the slotted opening
Implementation Method 3
a field member coupled to the base and that may include a plurality of spaced apart permanent magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic actuator may include a base, a field member coupled to the base and that may include spaced apart permanent magnets. The haptic actuator may also include a coil having a loop shape defining a slotted opening therein, and a spring member suspending the coil so that the field member is within the slotted opening and permitting relative movement of the field member and the coil.