Split Haptic Transducer for Compact, Strong Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic technologies in user devices face challenges in achieving optimal size, low energy consumption, versatility, and cost-effectiveness while providing effective haptic effects, especially in movably attached parts.
Innovation Solution
A haptic transducer arrangement comprising permanent magnets and a coil, with a movable attachment allowing dynamic magnetic forces to create haptic effects, and a controller to manage electric current for precise feedback, enabling haptic effects in user devices with movable parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a haptic transducer is made small in size for optimal applicability in hand-held user devices, then the device portability is improved, but the haptic effect strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic transducer is divided into two separate halves that can be attached to different movable parts of the user device. This segmentation allows each half to be compact while collectively providing sufficient haptic effect strength through the interaction between the two halves via magnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic forces serve as an intermediary mechanism between the two halves of the haptic transducer. The magnetic interaction allows force transmission between separated components, enabling compact design while maintaining haptic effect strength through the magnetic field as a mediator.
2Use of energy by moving object
If permanent magnets are used in the haptic transducer to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power consumption issue is extracted and isolated to only the coil component, while the permanent magnets provide passive magnetic fields without energy consumption. This separation allows the system to maintain low overall energy usage while using cost-effective permanent magnet materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Permanent magnets generate their own magnetic fields without requiring external energy input, making them self-sufficient for providing the magnetic component of the haptic effect. This self-service capability reduces energy consumption while the magnets can be sourced at reasonable costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coil is added to create dynamic magnetic forces for haptic effects, then the haptic versatility is improved, but the energy consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is activated periodically or on-demand to create dynamic magnetic forces only when haptic effects are needed, rather than continuously. This periodic activation provides versatile haptic control while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the coil inactive during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters (current magnitude, duration, frequency) of the coil are dynamically adjusted to produce different haptic effects. By changing these parameters, the system achieves versatility in haptic output while consuming energy only when and as much as needed for each specific effect.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the haptic transducer is divided into two halves attached to different parts, then the adaptability to movable parts is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic transducer is segmented into two attachable halves that can be mounted on different movable parts of the user device. This segmentation improves adaptability to various mechanical configurations while the magnetic coupling between halves simplifies the overall structure compared to a single complex integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-half design allows the same haptic transducer components to serve multiple attachment configurations and movable part arrangements. This universal design approach increases adaptability while avoiding the need for multiple specialized transducer designs, thereby reducing overall system 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 solution provides efficient, low-energy, and cost-effective haptic feedback in user devices, allowing for versatile attachment and precise control of haptic effects, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
At least one coil is located in said haptic transducer and configured to create, under influence of an electric current flowing through said coil, dynamic magnetic forces in said haptic transducer
Implementation Method 2
The haptic transducer comprises a first half and a second half, as well as an arrangement of permanent magnets, of which at least a first permanent magnet is located in said first half and at least a second permanent magnet is located in said second half
Implementation Method 3
At least one coil is located in said haptic transducer and configured to create, under influence of an electric current flowing through said coil, dynamic magnetic forces in said haptic transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A user device comprises a first part and a second part, which is a hand-held body. A movable attachment allows a user to hold the second part by hand and move the first part. A haptic transducer produces haptic effects and comprises a first half and a second half. Of an arrangement of permanent magnets, a first permanent magnet is in said first half and at a second permanent magnet in said second half A coil in said haptic transducer creates, under influence of an electric current, dynamic magnetic forces in the haptic transducer. The first half is attached to said first part of the user device and the second half is attached to said second part of the user device.