Electromagnetic Haptic Control Pulse Timing for Thin Touch Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration actuator systems for touch panels, such as those in car navigation systems, face challenges in providing strong haptic feedback while reducing device cost and thickness, particularly in using solenoid-driven mechanisms without expensive magnets.
Innovation Solution
A control device that supplies current pulses to an electromagnetic actuator, with the interval between pulses ranging from half to one times the vibration period, to efficiently drive the actuator and generate thrust for haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solenoid-driven mechanism without expensive magnets is used to reduce cost, then device cost is reduced, but the thickness of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by supplying multiple drive current pulses to the electromagnetic actuator at intervals of 1/2 to 1 times the vibration period. This periodic pulsing enables the actuator to generate strong haptic feedback through resonant vibration while maintaining a compact structure without expensive magnets, thus resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and thickness control.
2Length of stationary object
If a solenoid-driven mechanism is used to reduce device thickness, then device thickness is reduced, but the thrust generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic drive current pulses with intervals matching 1/2 to 1 times the vibration period to excite resonant vibration in the electromagnetic actuator. This periodic action maximizes thrust generation efficiency within a thin device structure by leveraging the natural vibration characteristics of the system, thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced thickness and maintained power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electromagnetic actuator by controlling the timing and frequency of drive current pulses. By adjusting the pulse interval to match the vibration period (1/2 to 1 times), the system optimizes thrust generation efficiency in a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between device thickness and power output.
3Force
If vibration pulses are supplied at optimal intervals to enhance haptic feedback, then haptic feedback strength is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic drive current pulses with intervals of 1/2 to 1 times the vibration period to resonate with the natural frequency of the electromagnetic actuator. This resonant periodic action amplifies haptic feedback strength while minimizing energy consumption by efficiently utilizing the system's natural vibration characteristics rather than requiring continuous high-power input.
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
This approach reduces the cost and thickness of the device while effectively generating suitable thrust for haptic feedback, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for vibration actuation in touch panels.
Implementation Method 1
a current pulse supply unit configured to supply a plurality of drive current pulses to a coil of the electromagnetic actuator as a drive current for driving the operation device
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic actuator that drives an operation device supported to be elastically vibrated in one direction of a vibrating direction thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control device capable of reducing cost and thickness by using an electromagnetic actuator, and capable of efficiently generating a thrust suitable for a haptic feeling feedback to an operator who touches and operates thereto. The control device controls the electromagnetic actuator that drives an operation device supported to be elastically vibrated in one direction of a vibrating direction thereof; includes a current pulse supply unit configured to supply a plurality of drive current pulses to a coil of the electromagnetic actuator as a drive current for driving the operation device in response to a touch operation of the operation device; and an interval between peaks for each of the drive current pulses is in a range of ½ times to 1 times a vibration period of an elastic vibration.