Multimodal actuator system and method
AssigneeThe Research Foundation for The State University of New York
InventorsSi Chen, Shanshan Yao
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Abstract
Certain aspects of the disclosure provide a multimodal actuator. The multimodal actuator includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils having a planar spiral aspect. The plurality of electromagnetic coils may be arranged in a partially overlapping pattern. Additionally, the multimodal actuator includes a magnet in magnetic communication with the plurality of electromagnetic coils. Also, the multimodal actuator includes a spring structure, having a first surface facing the magnet, and a second surface opposite the first surface. Micro-pillars may be optionally arranged on a surface of the spring structure opposite the magnet. The micro-pillars may be configured to communicate movement of the magnet to a contact region of skin.
Claims20
A multimodal actuator, comprising:
- a plurality of electromagnetic coils having a planar spiral aspect, the plurality of electromagnetic coils being arranged in a partially overlapping pattern;
- a magnet in magnetic communication with the plurality of electromagnetic coils;
- and
- a spring structure, having a first surface facing the magnet, and a second surface opposite the first surface.
A haptic feedback system, comprising:
- an multimodal actuator comprising:
- a plurality of electromagnetic coils having a planar spiral aspect, the plurality of electromagnetic coils being arranged in an overlapping pattern,
- a magnet positioned over a center of the plurality of electromagnetic coils and configured to freely move in response to magnetic fields generated by the plurality of electromagnetic coils, and
- a spring structure, having a bottom surface facing the magnet, and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, the spring structure arranged to limit movement of the magnet in response to the magnetic fields;
- a power source;
- and
- a controller controllably coupling the power source to the plurality of electromagnetic coils, the controller individually controlling an electrical output of the power source to each of the plurality of electromagnetic coils in response to input signals received by the controller.
A wearable haptic feedback system, comprising:
- at least one multimodal actuator comprising:
- a plurality of electromagnetic coils having a planar spiral aspect, the plurality of electromagnetic coils being arranged in an overlapping pattern,
- a magnet positioned over a center of the plurality of electromagnetic coils and configured to freely move in response to magnetic fields generated by the plurality of electromagnetic coils, and
- a spring structure arranged to limit movement of the magnet in response to the magnetic fields;
- and
- a wearable article to which the at least one multimodal actuator is affixed, the wearable article configured to hold the at least one multimodal actuator in contact with a region of skin of a wearer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.