Spherical Rotor Haptic Actuator for Multi-Directional Sensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic actuators face challenges in providing stable and reliable sensations, particularly in creating sliding sensations in multiple directions, and are limited in offering vibrating and pressure sensations.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator featuring a spherical rotor driven by a magnetic force vector, with a stator having rotation-driving coils and a driving unit to control electric current, enabling the creation of magnetic force vectors for various sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a belt-type haptic actuator is used to provide sliding sensation, then sliding sensation can be provided in one direction, but it is limited to one degree of freedom and cannot provide sliding sensation in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical rotor instead of traditional linear or planar structures. The spherical shape enables movement in multiple directions (X, Y, Z axes and rotational movements) while maintaining a compact form factor, thus providing multi-directional sliding sensations without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from 1D linear actuators or 2D planar movements to 3D spherical movements. The spherical rotor can move along X, Y, Z axes and rotate around multiple axes simultaneously, adding dimensional freedom to provide sliding sensations in all directions
2Reliability
If electromagnet actuators or pneumatic actuators are arranged in array form to provide haptic sensations, then vibrating sensation can be provided, but stability and reliability are difficult to secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions (linear movement along X, Y, Z axes and rotational movements) into a single spherical rotor structure. This unified approach eliminates the need for multiple separate actuators arranged in arrays, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the capability to provide various haptic sensations
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical rotor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can move linearly along three axes, rotate around multiple axes, and provide both contact and non-contact haptic sensations. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized actuators, enhancing system reliability
3Reliability
If ultrasonic waves or film-type actuators are used to stimulate fingertip, then haptic sensation can be provided, but stability and reliability are difficult to secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuator arrays, ultrasonic transducers, or nano-film structures with a magnetically-driven spherical rotor system. The magnetic field-driven mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages or fragile thin-film structures, improving reliability while simplifying manufacturing
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 the transfer of sliding, vibrating, and pressure sensations in all directions, enhancing the sense of presence in virtual and augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical rotor driven by a magnetic force vector created around the same; at least three rotation-driving coils formed in the stator at a given distance from each other to provide the magnetic force vector to the spherical rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an actuator generating haptic sensations, the actuator having a spherical rotor driven by a magnetic force vector created around the same, a stator having a space corresponding in shape to the spherical rotor defined therein to allow the spherical rotor to be positioned in the space and having a portion of an upper part of the spherical rotor exposed, at least three rotation-driving coils formed in the stator at a given distance from each other to provide the magnetic force vector to the spherical rotor, and a driving unit independently controlling electric current supplied to each of the rotation-driving coils to create the magnetic force vector.