Vibration Generator Holding Structure for Input Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices with vibration generators, such as piezoelectric boards, often experience damage at the fastening points due to vibration, leading to impaired vibration transmission, especially when the frequency of the vibration generator differs from the natural frequency of the support board.

Innovation Solution

A vibration generator holding structure comprising a first holding member, a second holding member, and an elastic member that urges the vibration generator toward the first holding member, allowing stable contact and transmission without direct fastening, which prevents damage and maintains consistent vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the vibration generator is fastened directly to the support board, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fastening portion is damaged due to vibration and the vibration transmission is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure is divided into multiple components: a holding member with a holding portion and a fastening portion, where the vibration generator is held in a凹槽 (recess) without direct fastening to the support board. This segmentation allows the vibration generator to be secured mechanically while isolating it from direct vibration-induced damage to fastening points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member acts as an intermediary between the vibration generator and the support board. The vibration generator is held by the holding portion of the holding member, which is then fastened to the support board, thereby preventing direct contact and vibration-induced damage between the vibration generator and the support board fastening points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the vibration generator is fastened directly to the support board, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vibration transmission stability deteriorates due to fastening damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstability of vibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure segments the vibration transmission path into distinct functional zones: the holding portion that maintains stable contact with the vibration generator, and the fastening portion that secures the holding member to the support board. This segmentation ensures stable vibration transmission while preventing fastening damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member serves as a mediator that ensures stable vibration transmission from the vibration generator to the support board. The holding portion with its凹槽 structure maintains consistent contact with the vibration generator, while the fastening portion provides secure attachment, thereby stabilizing the entire vibration transmission path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple direct fastening method is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the vibration generator easily comes off due to fastening portion damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstrength of fastening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is segmented into a holding portion and a fastening portion, each optimized for its specific function. The holding portion uses a凹槽 structure to securely hold the vibration generator without requiring strong fastening, while the fastening portion is designed specifically for secure attachment to the support board, thereby maintaining strong overall fastening while simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member acts as an intermediary that protects the vibration generator from direct fastening stresses. The fastening portion of the holding member bears the mechanical stress of attachment to the support board, while the holding portion maintains secure engagement with the vibration generator through its凹槽 structure, thereby maintaining strong fastening without complex processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables stable holding and transmission of vibrations, preventing damage to the fastening points and ensuring reliable vibration feedback in input devices, even under varying frequency conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member that is supported by the second holding member and urges the vibration generator toward the first holding member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a vibration generator that generates vibration to be transmitted to the manipulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9798389B2Vibration generator holding structure and input device

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

A holding structure for holding a vibration generator includes a first holding member that is in contact with the vibration generator, a second holding member that engages the first holding member, and an elastic member that is supported by the second holding member and urges the vibration generator toward the first holding member.