Wishbone Flexure Bearings for Haptic Actuator Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic actuators are complex and costly due to the use of stabilization techniques like stabilization magnets, shafts, and precise bearings, which are unnecessary for constraining motion in a single direction, leading to increased complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexure bearings with wishbone-shaped flexible members and anchor members to mount the field member for reciprocal movement within the housing, eliminating the need for additional stabilization components by constraining motion in all directions except the desired one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization magnets, shafts, and precise bearings are used to constrain motion, then motion stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes stabilization magnets, shafts, and precise bearings from the system entirely. Instead of adding complex stabilization components, the invention uses the inherent flexibility and geometry of the flexure bearing structure to provide passive constraint in all directions except the desired reciprocating motion direction, thereby eliminating the need for additional stabilization components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure bearing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the reciprocating motion path, constrains motion in all other directions, and eliminates the need for separate stabilization components. The wishbone-shaped flexible member with diverging arms creates a multi-functional constraint system that replaces multiple individual components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization magnets, shafts, and precise bearings are used, then motion constraint is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive stabilization components (magnets, shafts, precise bearings) and replaces them with a simpler flexure bearing structure that can be manufactured as an integrated component or assembly, significantly reducing material costs and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from using rigid components with precise tolerances to a flexible structure where the constraint characteristics are achieved through geometric configuration and material flexibility, allowing for more tolerant and cost-effective manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If multiple stabilization components are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing multiple stabilization components that would each be potential failure points, the patent reduces the overall system complexity and the number of parts that could fail. The simplified flexure bearing structure has fewer components and interfaces, potentially improving reliability despite using fewer elements.
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 design simplifies the haptic actuator, reduces material usage, and maintains reasonable stiffness, allowing for effective haptic feedback without the need for complex stabilization, thus reducing costs and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coil carried by the housing and a field member having opposing first and second sides... at least one permanent magnet may be carried by the housing and the field member may include at least one coil cooperating with the at least one permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
Each flexure bearing may include at least one flexible member having a wishbone shape with two diverging arms joined together at proximal ends... mounting each of the first and second sides of the field member to be reciprocally movable within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic actuator may include a housing, at least one coil carried by the housing, and a field member having opposing first and second sides. The haptic actuator may also include a respective at least one flexure bearing mounting each of the first and second sides of the field member to be reciprocally movable within the housing responsive to the at least one coil. Each flexure bearing may include at least one flexible member having a wishbone shape with two diverging arms joined together at proximal ends and having spaced distal ends operatively coupled between adjacent portions of the field member and the housing.