Vibration Generator Yoke Structure for Stable Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation devices and vibration generating devices face instability in the pose of movable components, leading to unstable vibration magnitudes, which affects the tactile feedback experience.

Innovation Solution

The proposed operation device incorporates a configuration with a fixed yoke, a movable yoke, an exciting coil, first and second rubber portions, and a permanent magnet, where the first rubber portions are compressed between the movable and fixed bases, and the second rubber portions are not, to stabilize the relative position of the movable yoke, enabling stable vibrations through controlled magnetic and elastic forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If elastic portions are used to support a movable core, then the device can generate vibration, but the pose of the movable core becomes unstable and vibration magnitude becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration magnitudeVSAvoidpose stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple distinct elements: a fixed yoke, a movable yoke, and multiple rubber portions (first and second rubber portions) arranged at different positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the fixed yoke provides stable mounting, the movable yoke carries the magnet and transmits vibration, and the rubber portions provide elastic support and positioning, collectively achieving both vibration generation and pose stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber portions act as intermediary elements between the fixed base and the movable yoke. These elastic intermediaries provide both mechanical support and positional stabilization, mediating between the stationary fixed yoke and the vibrating movable yoke to maintain stable pose while enabling vibration transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If supports with different natural lengths and dampers are used, then vibration can be generated, but the pose of the yoke remains unstable and vibration magnitude becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration magnitudeVSAvoidyoke pose stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different rubber portions are assigned different local qualities - the first rubber portions have specific natural lengths and stiffness characteristics optimized for vertical support, while the second rubber portions have different characteristics optimized for lateral positioning. This local differentiation allows each position to be optimized for its specific functional requirement, achieving overall system stability while maintaining vibration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure employs asymmetric arrangement of rubber portions with different natural lengths and orientations. The first rubber portions connect the fixed yoke to the movable yoke at specific positions, while the second rubber portions are arranged differently to provide complementary support. This asymmetric configuration creates stable equilibrium positions while allowing controlled vibration motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 ensures stable vibrations are generated, providing effective tactile feedback and preventing rattles during operation, while allowing for increased vibration amplitude by varying the compression of rubber portions.

Implementation Method 1

an exciting coil 30 and first rubber portions 40, second rubber portions 50, and a permanent magnet 60

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

first rubber portions 40, second rubber portions 50

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3845318B1Operation device and vibration generating device
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP3845318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3845318B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An operation device includes a movable portion, a vibration generating unit, a fixed portion, a detecting unit, and a control unit. The vibration generating unit includes a movable yoke attached to the movable portion, and a fixed yoke attached to the fixed portion and disposed facing the movable yoke in a first direction. The vibration generating unit includes a permanent magnet attached to one yoke among the movable yoke and the fixed yoke, both ends of the permanent magnet in the first direction being opposite magnetic poles created by magnetization. The vibration generating unit includes an exciting coil attached to a different yoke from the one yoke among the movable yoke and the fixed yoke, the exciting coil being configured to induce magnetic flux in response to a current flowing through the exciting coil. In an initial state in which the current is yet to flow through the exciting coil, by a magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnet, the movable yoke is configured to be energized in a direction of moving closer to the fixed yoke in the first direction, a first elastic support being compressed between the movable portion and the fixed portion. The current flowing through the exciting coil causes a repulsive force to act between the movable yoke and the fixed yoke.