Efficient haptic actuator

A reduced friction haptic actuator comprising:

• at least two masses;
• and
• at least two springs, each spring (i) affixed to a respective spring mount at a first end of the spring and (ii) coupled to respective one of the at least two masses at a second end of the spring, the spring comprising a sole means of support for the respective mass coupled to the spring;
• wherein each spring of the at least two springs is configured to actuate the respective mass at the second end of the spring and remain stationary at the spring mount, the actuation of the respective mass comprising oscillation of the respective mass between ends of a first arc segment at the second end of the spring, the oscillation being caused by alternating magnetic forces from a coil, the coil being disposed proximate the respective mass.

A haptic actuator comprising:

• a housing;
• and
• a moving component comprising:
• a mass component;
• at least one spring mount;
• and
• a plurality of springs, the plurality of springs each being mounted using the at least one spring mount, and configured to collectively enable the mass component to oscillate along an arc-shaped path via alternating magnetic forces from at least a coil adjacent to the mass component to produce an unbalanced vibrational force, each of the plurality of springs comprising an asymmetric profile configured to at least reduce a concentration of oscillation-induced stress in a region proximate to the at least one mount;
• wherein the plurality of springs are disposed so as to allow each of the plurality of springs to cause the oscillation without contacting the housing nor each other;
• and
• wherein the mass component is suspended exclusively by the plurality of springs.