Vibrating Actuator Leaf Spring Structure for Torsional Resonance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oscillatory actuators using rotary motors and dampers suffer from non-uniform magnetic fields and torsional resonance at frequencies other than natural resonance, leading to impaired haptic sensations and large oscillations.

Innovation Solution

The oscillatory actuator incorporates elastic members that bridge the arms of leaf springs to suppress torsional resonance and stabilize natural resonance frequencies, using a configuration with a cylindrical case, yoke, coils, and a movable magnet system with elastic support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a weight is added to the mover to increase oscillation force, then oscillation output is improved, but torsional resonance is generated at frequencies other than natural resonance frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation forceVSAvoidtorsional resonance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The leaf spring is divided into multiple arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that are arranged radially around the oscillation axis. This segmentation distributes the support function across multiple independent elements, reducing the concentration of stress and torque that causes torsional resonance while maintaining the overall oscillation force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies that the distance between adjacent arms should be 120 degrees or less, creating a non-uniform spatial distribution optimized for suppressing torsional resonance. This local geometric configuration provides enhanced damping characteristics at critical locations without compromising the overall oscillation output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If assembly and component variations occur, then non-uniform magnetic field is generated, but large oscillation at frequencies other than natural resonance frequency is produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field uniformityVSAvoidlarge oscillation at non-resonance frequencies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The use of multiple radially arranged arms (at least three) distributes the magnetic circuit and mechanical support functions across multiple symmetric locations. This segmentation compensates for assembly variations by averaging out non-uniformities, maintaining magnetic field uniformity even when component tolerances exist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies that the distance between adjacent arms should be 120 degrees or less, which creates an asymmetric configuration optimized for suppressing torsional resonance. This asymmetric arrangement breaks the symmetry that would otherwise amplify certain frequency components, reducing large oscillations at non-resonance frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If multiple dampers (leaf springs) are used to support the reciprocating mover, then oscillation support is improved, but torsional resonance is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemover support stabilityVSAvoidtorsional resonance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The leaf spring is segmented into multiple radial arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that support the mover at different angular positions. This segmentation distributes the damping function across multiple elements, reducing the torsional moments that would be generated by a single concentrated support while maintaining overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arms are arranged in a radial pattern around the oscillation axis, adding angular dimensionality to the support structure. This three-dimensional arrangement (radial + axial oscillation) provides stable mover support while the angular distribution suppresses torsional resonance by distributing loads uniformly around the axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration reduces torsional resonance and maintains stable natural resonance frequencies, ensuring sufficient oscillation outputs and improved haptic feedback.

Implementation Method 1

a coil (21) that surrounds the mover (111)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member (150) that bridges adjacent arms of the first leaf spring (51) and the second leaf spring (251)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3778040B1Vibrating actuator
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 FOSTER ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3778040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3778040B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3778040B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention has provided thereto: a first damper 51 and a second damper 251, which are attached to a case 1 and have a plurality of spiral arm parts, and first elastic material 150 and second elastic material 350, which bridge the adjacent arm parts of the first damper 51 and the second damper 251.