Vibration Device with Anisotropic Elastic Modulus for Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration devices require sensors attached to the operation target to detect forces and displacements orthogonal to applied forces, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device with a support member featuring an elastically deformable portion connecting a fixing portion and a vibration portion, an actuator that vibrates in the left-right direction, and sensors attached to the deformable portion to detect forces and displacements without attaching sensors to the operation target, utilizing different elastic moduli in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the operation target to detect force and displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to attach sensors to the operation target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastically deformable portion as an intermediary element between the fixing portion and the vibration portion. This deformable portion serves as a mediator that transmits mechanical deformation to the sensor, enabling the sensor to detect force and displacement information indirectly through the deformation of the elastically deformable portion, rather than requiring direct attachment to the operation target.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the operation target to detect force and displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor with the elastically deformable portion by attaching the sensor directly to this integrated structure. The sensor, elastically deformable portion, and vibration portion form a unified assembly where the sensor detects deformation of the elastically deformable portion, which in turn reflects the state of the vibration portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor attachment mechanisms and reduces overall structural complexity.
3Strength
If the elastically deformable portion has high elastic modulus in all directions, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to detect orthogonal displacement deteriorates due to reduced deformability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anisotropic elastic properties in the elastically deformable portion, where the elastic modulus varies by direction. Specifically, the elastic modulus in the up-down direction is designed to be lower than in the front-rear direction, enabling preferential deformation in the up-down direction when force is applied in the front-rear direction. This directional difference in elastic modulus allows the structure to maintain overall strength while enabling sensitive detection of orthogonal displacement through controlled local deformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the elastic modulus values in different directions of the elastically deformable portion. By setting the elastic modulus in the up-down direction to be lower than in the front-rear direction, the structure is designed to deform more easily in the up-down direction when subjected to front-rear direction forces. This parameter variation enables the conversion of force applied in one direction into measurable displacement in the orthogonal direction, enhancing detection capability while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Enables the detection of forces and displacements orthogonal to applied forces without attaching sensors to the operation target, enhancing the device's functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable portion connecting the fixing portion and the vibration portion... the elastically deformable portion has a first elastic modulus in the left-right direction, a second elastic modulus in a front-rear direction, and a third elastic modulus in a up-down direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration device that includes a support member, an actuator, and a sensor that detects a force applied to a vibrated member and displacement of the vibrated member in a left-right direction. The support member includes a fixing portion, a vibration portion, and an elastically deformable portion connecting the fixing portion and the vibration portion. The actuator is attached to the fixing portion and the vibration portion. The sensor is attached to the elastically deformable portion. The elastically deformable portion has a first elastic modulus in the left-right direction, a second elastic modulus in a front-rear direction, and a third elastic modulus in an up-down direction. The first elastic modulus is smaller than the second elastic modulus. The third elastic modulus is smaller than the second elastic modulus.