Shape Memory Alloy Inertial Force Device for Sealed Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sensation presenting devices for portable information terminals face issues with dust and moisture intrusion due to the need for gaps between components, and require additional vibration sources for notifications, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An inertial force imparting device using a shape memory alloy wire actuator that displaces a mover within a sealed casing, providing a tactile sensation without the need for gaps and separate vibration sources, by utilizing expansion and contraction to deliver inertial forces and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is left between the contact panel and housing to enable movement, then the tactile sensation can be delivered, but dust and moisture can enter through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact panel with the housing by providing a movable connection between them, eliminating the need for gaps. The contact panel is movably connected to the housing such that it can move relative to the housing while maintaining a sealed connection, thus preventing dust and moisture intrusion while still enabling tactile sensation delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate vibration source is provided for notifications, then vibrations can be generated, but the number of parts and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the contact panel multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as the tactile sensation delivery component and as the vibration source for notifications. The contact panel is configured to be movable and can generate vibrations through its movement mechanism, thus eliminating the need for a separate vibration source and reducing the number of parts.
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 effectively prevents dust and moisture intrusion while delivering a kinetic operation feeling and vibrations within a sealed environment, simplifying the device configuration and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator unit that includes a shape memory alloy wire provided between the stator and the mover, instantaneously displaces the mover in the movable direction
Implementation Method 2
the shape memory alloy wire changes in length according to temperature, and changes an interval between the mover and the stator by expansion and contraction according to energization heating
Implementation Method 3
an elastic member that biases the mover toward the stator side along the movable direction
Implementation Method 4
delivers an inertial force to the outside based on the displacement, and simulatively delivers a kinetic operation feeling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provided to prevent intrusion of dust, moisture, and the like, and simulatively deliver a kinetic operation feeling in response to an operation of an operator, and generate vibrations as necessary and separately from the operation of the operator. There is provided an inertial force imparting device including a stator, a mover that is arranged to be movable relative to the stator in a movable direction, a weight attached to the mover, an actuator unit that includes a shape memory alloy wire provided between the stator and the mover, instantaneously displaces the mover in the movable direction, and delivers an inertial force to the outside based on the displacement, and an elastic member that biases the mover toward the stator side along the movable direction, in which the shape memory alloy wire changes in length according to temperature, and changes the interval between the mover and the stator by expansion and contraction according to energization heating.