Viscoelastic Contact Body Structure for Miniaturized Vibrating Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating actuators face challenges in miniaturization due to low output per volume and weight, as well as inefficiencies in space use, primarily because of the need for a larger base member and limited surface area for frictional sliding, which results in unwanted vibrations and reduced driving efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating actuator design featuring a long contact body covered with viscoelastic material, allowing for relative movement with the vibrator, which absorbs unwanted vibrations and enhances frictional sliding by using viscoelastic bodies to cover antinodes of distortion, thereby reducing noise and increasing thrust per volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a second base member is added to support the relative movement member, then unwanted vibrations are absorbed, but the size of the actuator increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration absorption function from a separate base member structure and integrates it into the relative movement member itself through viscoelastic material coating. This eliminates the need for a second base member while maintaining vibration absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative movement member is given multiple functions: it serves as both the frictional sliding surface for driving and as the vibration absorption structure through viscoelastic coating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a vibration absorption member is disposed entirely between the relative movement member and the base member, then unwanted vibrations are absorbed, but the surface area available for frictional sliding is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The viscoelastic material is applied locally to specific regions (end portions) of the relative movement member where vibration absorption is most needed, while leaving other regions available for frictional sliding. This localized application optimizes both vibration absorption and driving surface area.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator is miniaturized, then space efficiency is improved, but unwanted vibrations increase and driving efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structure where viscoelastic material is combined with the relative movement member base material. This composite structure provides both vibration absorption properties and maintains the mechanical strength needed for miniaturized actuator operation.
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 design effectively reduces unwanted vibrations, enhances thrust efficiency, and allows for miniaturization of the actuator by utilizing viscoelastic bodies to absorb energy and improve adhesion, resulting in improved performance and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
an end portion of the long contact body is covered with a viscoelastic body circumferentially with respect to the predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
absorb unwanted vibrations occurring on the relative movement member (contact body) by elliptical motion produced by the vibrator
Implementation Method 3
a vibrator including an elastic body and an electrical-mechanical energy transducer
Implementation Method 4
produce thrust between a vibrator and a contact body by causing the vibrator to generate vibrations
Implementation Method 5
vibrator and the contact body are configured to be relatively moved in the predetermined direction by vibration of the vibrator
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrating actuator includes a vibrator and a contact body. The vibrator includes an elastic body and an electrical-mechanical energy transducer. The contact body is long in a predetermined direction and contacts the vibrator. The vibrator and the contact body are relatively moved in the predetermined direction by vibration of the vibrator. An end portion of the long contact body is covered with a viscoelastic body circumferentially with respect to the predetermined direction.