Vibration Generator Using Flexible Holder and Magnetic Coils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration generators have limited vibration patterns due to the fixed shape of plate springs and magnet/coil arrangements, resulting in monotonous vibration generation.

Innovation Solution

A vibration generator with a magnet-supported vibrator, held by a chassis with a holder that allows displacement and posture changes via a plurality of thin coils arranged face-to-face with the vibrator, enabling varied vibration patterns by altering the magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If plate springs with fixed shape and fixed magnet/coil arrangement are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vibration pattern is limited and monotonous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration pattern varietyVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder structure is designed with flexible portions that can dynamically change shape in response to magnetic field forces. The holder includes elastic arms with varying thickness to enable controlled deformation, allowing the vibrator to achieve different positions and postures during vibration operations. This dynamic capability enables diverse vibration patterns without requiring multiple fixed structural configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and shape parameters of the holder during operation. By applying magnetic fields that cause the flexible holder portions to deform, the system dynamically adjusts the holder's shape, length, and curvature parameters. This parameter change enables the vibrator to move in multiple directions and achieve various postures, generating diverse vibration patterns from a single holder structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coils are used to generate varied magnetic fields, then diverse vibration patterns can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration pattern varietyVSAvoidcoil arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coil system is segmented into multiple independent coils positioned at different locations around the vibrator. Each coil can be independently controlled to generate magnetic fields in specific directions. This segmentation allows precise control over the magnetic field distribution, enabling the holder to deform in controlled ways to achieve different vibration patterns including reciprocating and torsional movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple coils serve universal functions by being able to generate various vibration patterns through different activation sequences and field configurations. The same set of coils can produce linear reciprocating motion, rotational motion, and complex vibration patterns by varying the timing, amplitude, and polarity of currents applied to different coils, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each vibration type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vibrator is constrained to fixed positions by rigid plate springs, then the structure is stable, but the vibration generation mode is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration mode flexibilityVSAvoidvibrator position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The holder transitions from a rigid fixed-position structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The elastic arms with varying thickness provide controlled flexibility that allows the vibrator to move and change posture during operation. The flexibility is engineered through specific thickness variations that provide appropriate compliance in movement directions while maintaining structural integrity and returning to neutral positions, thus achieving both stability and motion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates flexible elastic arm structures that function similarly to flexible shells and films. These thin-walled elastic structures can deform under magnetic field forces to enable vibrator displacement and posture changes, then return to their original shapes to provide stable positioning. The flexible portions are strategically designed with specific thicknesses to achieve the desired balance between flexibility for motion and rigidity for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for the generation of diverse vibration patterns, including reciprocating and torsional movements, by changing the position and posture of the vibrator relative to the chassis, enhancing versatility and reducing production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of coils which generate a magnetic field for changing at least one of a position and a posture of the vibrator with respect to the chassis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the vibrator being movable according to at least magnetization of the coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetization: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of coils which generate a magnetic field for changing at least one of a position and a posture of the vibrator with respect to the chassis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 4

the other end of the plate spring is fixed to a weight of the vibration unit by caulking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9350220B2Vibration generator moving vibrator by magnetic field generated by coil and holder used in vibration-generator
Publication Date: 2016.05.24 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
  • US9350220B2 patent drawing
  • US9350220B2 patent drawing
  • US9350220B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vibration generator includes a vibrator, a holder, and a plurality of coils. The vibrator includes a magnet and has a plate shape parallel to a horizontal surface. The holder is attached to a chassis and holds the vibrator such that the vibrator can be displaced with respect to the vibrator. The plurality of coils generate a magnetic field for changing at least one of a position and a posture of the vibrator with respect to the chassis. Each of the plurality of coils is a thin coil, and is arranged face to face with the vibrator. The vibrator can move at least according to magnetization of the coils, while deforming a portion of the holder.