Linear vibrator with enclosed mass assembly structure
First Claim
1. A linear actuator, comprising:
- a mass assembly comprising;
a magnet array comprising at least a first magnet and a second magnet, the first and second magnets positioned along an axis, wherein a first face of the first magnet is directed toward a first face of the second magnet;
an interface comprising a ferritic material positioned between the first face of the first magnet and the first face of the second magnet, and connecting the first face of the first magnet and the first face of the second magnet; and
a frame affixed to first and second ends of the magnet array along the axis, the frame extending around at least a portion of the magnet array;
a shaft passing through the mass assembly along the axis;
an electromagnetic structure operative to exert a motive force on the mass assembly to cause the mass assembly to move along the shaft in response to the motive force; and
a case containing the mass assembly, the shaft, and the electromagnetic structure;
wherein;
the shaft and the electromagnetic structure are affixed to the case and stationary with respect to the case;
there is a gap between the magnet array and the frame, the gap positioned parallel to the axis; and
the electromagnetic structure extends through the gap and encircles at least a portion of the magnet array when the mass assembly is in a rest state.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments described herein may take the form of an electromagnetic actuator that produces a haptic output during operation. Generally, an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a central magnet array. A shaft passes through the central magnet array, such that the central array may move along the shaft when the proper force is applied. When a current passes through the electromagnetic coil, the coil generates a magnetic field. The coil is stationary with respect to a housing of the actuator, while the central magnet array may move along the shaft within the housing. Thus, excitation of the coil exerts a force on the central magnet array, which moves in response to that force. The direction of the current through the coil determines the direction of the magnetic field and thus the motion of the central magnet array.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A linear actuator, comprising:
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a mass assembly comprising; a magnet array comprising at least a first magnet and a second magnet, the first and second magnets positioned along an axis, wherein a first face of the first magnet is directed toward a first face of the second magnet; an interface comprising a ferritic material positioned between the first face of the first magnet and the first face of the second magnet, and connecting the first face of the first magnet and the first face of the second magnet; and a frame affixed to first and second ends of the magnet array along the axis, the frame extending around at least a portion of the magnet array; a shaft passing through the mass assembly along the axis; an electromagnetic structure operative to exert a motive force on the mass assembly to cause the mass assembly to move along the shaft in response to the motive force; and a case containing the mass assembly, the shaft, and the electromagnetic structure;
wherein;the shaft and the electromagnetic structure are affixed to the case and stationary with respect to the case; there is a gap between the magnet array and the frame, the gap positioned parallel to the axis; and the electromagnetic structure extends through the gap and encircles at least a portion of the magnet array when the mass assembly is in a rest state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21)
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10. A linear actuator, comprising:
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a moving mass formed from a frame receiving a magnet array positioned along an axis, the magnet array comprising; at least a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein a first face of the first magnet is directed toward a first face of the second magnet; and an interface comprising a ferritic material positioned between the first face of the first magnet and the first face of the second magnet, and connecting the first face of the first magnet and the first face of the second magnet; a coil passing through a gap between the frame and the magnet array and around at least a portion of the magnet array, the gap positioned parallel to the axis; a shaft extending through the frame, the magnet array and the coil, the shaft spaced apart from each of the frame, the magnet array and the coil; a first spring positioned around the shaft at a first end of the shaft; a second spring positioned around the shaft at a second end of the shaft; and a case enclosing the moving mass, the coil, the shaft, and the first and second springs;
wherein the shaft, the coil, the first spring, and the second spring are all affixed to the case and are stationary with respect to the case. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification