HAPTIC ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A HAPTIC ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY

• US 20090174672A1
• Filed: 01/03/2008
• Published: 07/09/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Methode Electronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Methode Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Schmidt, Robert M.
• Application Number:
  US11/969,071
• Publication Number:
  US 20090174672A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

Abstract

A haptic actuator assembly and a method of manufacturing a haptic actuator assembly. The haptic actuator assembly includes a rail of predetermined length and a haptic actuator coupled to the rail, wherein the rail is coupled to another device to provide haptic feedback. The method of manufacturing a haptic actuator assembly includes the steps of providing a rail and coupling a haptic actuator to the rail.

Claims

1. A haptic actuator assembly, comprising:

a rail of predetermined length; and

a haptic actuator coupled to the rail,

wherein the rail is coupled to another device to provide haptic feedback.

2. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the haptic actuator provides linear motion.

3. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the haptic actuator is actuated by an electrical signal.

4. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the haptic actuator further comprises:

a core coupled to the rail;

a coil wrapped around the core; and

a ferrous body disposed adjacent to the core and coupled to a second rail coupled to the rail.

5. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the haptic actuator is integrally formed with the rail.

6. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the haptic actuator further comprises a plurality of haptic actuators.

7. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 6, wherein the plurality of haptic actuators are aligned in one direction by coupling to the rail.

8. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second rail coupled to the haptic actuator.

9. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 8, wherein the rail and the second rail are coupled to each other by connecting members.

10. The haptic actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein a position of the haptic actuator relative to the rail is adjustable.

11. A display assembly, comprising:

a stationary member;

a display device mounted on the stationary member;

a moving member disposed adjacent to the stationary member, the moving member being able to move relative to the stationary member;

an input device mounted on the moving member;

a mechanical coupling configured to allow the moving member to move relative to the stationary member; and

a haptic actuator coupled to the stationary member and the moving member such that the haptic actuator moves the moving member relative to the stationary member.

12. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator provides linear motion.

13. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator is actuated by an electrical signal.

14. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator further comprises:

a core coupled to the moving member;

a coil wrapped around the core; and

a ferrous body disposed adjacent to the core and coupled to the stationary member.

15. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator further comprises:

a core coupled to the stationary member;

a coil wrapped around the core; and

a ferrous body disposed adjacent to the core and coupled to the moving member.

16. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator is integrally formed with the stationary member.

17. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator is integrally formed with the moving member.

18. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator further comprises a plurality of haptic actuators.

19. The display assembly of claim 18, wherein the plurality of haptic actuators are aligned in one direction by coupling to at least one of the frame or the mount.

20. A method of manufacturing a haptic actuator assembly, comprising the steps of:

providing a rail with a predetermined length; and

coupling a haptic actuator to the rail.

21. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, further comprising the step of coupling the rail to a device to provide haptic feedback.

22. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, further comprising the step of coupling an additional haptic actuator to the rail such that the rail aligns the haptic actuator and the additional haptic actuator.

23. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, wherein the haptic actuator provides linear motion.

24. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, further comprising the step of applying an electrical signal to actuate the haptic actuator.

25. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, wherein the haptic actuator further comprises:

a core coupled to the rail;

a coil wrapped around the core; and

a ferrous body disposed adjacent to the core and coupled to a second rail coupled to the rail.

26. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, further comprising the step of integrally forming the haptic actuator with the rail,

27. The method of manufacturing of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

providing a second rail parallel to the rail; and

coupling the second rail to the haptic actuator and the rail.