Vibration Device for Electronic Apparatus Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses, such as digital cameras, face challenges in providing a tactile operational feedback without generating noise due to vibration devices, and face design constraints that hinder downsizing when multiple vibration devices are used at different points.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a vibration device that has two modes of operation: vibrating the operation unit when pressed and vibrating the exterior member when not pressed, utilizing a vibration propagation member and a detection unit to minimize noise and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibration device is disposed on a release button or grip portion to provide tactile feedback, then the user is given an operational feeling, but the release button rocks relative to the exterior cover generating noise when the vibration device operates without user contact
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit detects user contact with the operation unit before the vibration device is activated. This preliminary detection allows the system to prepare for vibration activation only when needed, preventing the release button from rocking and generating noise during unnecessary vibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides feedback about user contact status to control the vibration device operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the vibration device operates only when the user is actually touching the operation unit, eliminating noise generated during idle vibration states.
2Ease of operation
If multiple vibration devices are disposed at different points inside the camera to provide tactile feedback, then comprehensive operational feedback is achieved, but a large space is required for installation and electric wiring members hindering downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
A single vibration device is designed to perform multiple functions by vibrating different components (operation unit and exterior member) based on detection unit signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate vibration devices, reducing space requirements and enabling device downsizing while maintaining comprehensive tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration device is integrated with the exterior member through a vibration propagation member, combining what would traditionally be separate components into a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of independent vibration devices needed and simplifies wiring requirements, facilitating compact design.
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 effectively transmits a tactile operational feedback to the user while minimizing noise and allowing for a more compact design by ensuring vibrations are only propagated when the operation unit is in use, thus addressing the noise and downsizing issues.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device configured to vibrate the electronic apparatus to transmit a sense of touch to a user
Implementation Method 2
a vibration propagation member in contact with the vibration device
Data Source
AI summary
If vibration propagates to an operation button that is a moving member in a state where the operation button is not touched by a user, a noise is generated from near the operation button. Therefore, an electronic apparatus that reduces a noise generated from near an operation button is provided. In an electronic apparatus, a vibration device has a first vibration mode of vibrating an operation unit at a second position and a second vibration mode of vibrating an exterior member at a first position, and the operation unit is not in contact with a vibration propagation member at the first position, and the operation unit is in contact with the vibration propagation member at the second position or as the operation unit arrives at the second position.