Tactile Sensation Unit Assembly Simplification via Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tactile sensation providing apparatuses have complex assembly processes, leading to increased costs and potential for unintended vibrations due to the use of multiple components and adjustable elastic members.

Innovation Solution

A unit comprising an actuator, a first fixing unit, a second fixing unit, and elastic members that couple the first and second fixing units together, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced component count by integrating these elements into a single component, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps and preventing unintended vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components and adjustable elastic members are used in conventional tactile sensation providing apparatuses, then the apparatus can provide tactile sensations, but the assembly process becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sensation provisionVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuator, first fixing unit, second fixing unit, and elastic members into a single integrated unit. This merging of previously separate components simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the functionality of providing tactile sensations through vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tactile sensations through the actuator, fixes the actuator to the base, connects to the vibration object, and provides elastic coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components and adjustable elastic members are used in conventional tactile sensation providing apparatuses, then the apparatus can provide tactile sensations, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sensation provisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple components into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability of tactile sensation provision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile sensation provisionVSAvoidunintended vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of elastic members within the unit creates a pre-configured elastic coupling between the actuator and vibration object. This eliminates the need for separate adjustable elastic members that could introduce unintended vibrations, while maintaining controlled vibration transmission for tactile feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the number of assembly steps is reduced by integrating elements into a single component, then assembly is simplified, but flexibility in setting vibration directions may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly process complexityVSAvoidvibration direction flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable elastic members within the integrated unit, allowing the vibration direction to be modified after assembly. This dynamic adjustability maintains versatility while keeping the assembly process simple, as the adjustment can be made without disassembling the unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly process, reduces the risk of unintended vibrations, and maintains flexibility in setting vibration directions for the tactile sensation providing apparatus, while also reducing the likelihood of damage from abrupt movements.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member that couples the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus provides a tactile sensation to a user by means of an actuator which vibrates a touch sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11318498B2Unit and tactile sensation providing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A unit and a tactile sensation providing apparatus which enable simplification of the assembly process of the apparatus are provided. The unit is provided with an actuator, a first fixing unit fixable to a base, a second fixing unit, and an elastic member configured to couple the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit together. The second fixing unit is fixable to a vibration object and coupled to the actuator.