Thin Vibration Actuator Structure for Low-Profile Tactile Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration actuators require a significant vertical thickness due to their configuration, leading to increased device size and complex assembly processes with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A vibration actuator design featuring a thin plate shape with a magnetic core, coil, and elastic support, allowing for easy assembly and vibration generation without magnets, utilizing magnetic forces to displace components and provide a sense of touch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vibration actuator with a guide shaft and movable element is used, then vibration can be generated, but the device thickness increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnet and yoke into an integrated electromagnet assembly, eliminating the need for separate guide shafts and movable elements. The coil is directly mounted on the circuit board, and the electromagnet assembly combines multiple functions (magnetic field generation, structural support, and vibration transmission) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining vibration generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the magnetic field for vibration, provides structural support for the touch panel, and acts as the vibration transmission element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If a conventional vibration actuator with vertical guide shaft is used, then vibration can be generated, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical vibration generation approach (requiring thickness in the vertical direction) to a planar approach where the coil and electromagnet assembly are arranged in the horizontal plane on the circuit board. The vibration is generated through lateral displacement of the electromagnet assembly relative to the touch panel, enabling thin-profile device construction while maintaining effective vibration generation
3Reliability
If multiple components (magnet, yokes, coils, bobbin) are used in the vibration actuator, then vibration can be generated, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnet and yoke into a single electromagnet assembly that is pre-integrated with the coil. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for mounting individual magnetic components, coils, and support structures, thereby significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining the necessary magnetic field generation functionality
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 actuator is easily assembled, space-saving, and capable of generating effective vibrations, reducing thickness and component count while providing a suitable operational sense of touch.
Implementation Method 1
one of the coil and the plate is displaced to approach the other and vibrates by a magnetic force generated by energization of the coil
Implementation Method 2
an elastic body that supports the core on both sides of the coil and is connected to the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration actuator according to the present invention comprises a plate that is a magnetic body, an electromagnet that is provided on the plate and is formed by providing a coil to a center part of a core, and an elastic body that supports the core on both sides of the coil and is connected to the plate. Magnetic force generated by energization of the coil causes one of the coil or the plate to be displaced toward the other and vibrate.