U.S. patent application number 17/099314 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for haptic transducer device and insole for receiving the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is SonicSensory, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brock Maxwell Seiler, Clayton Williamson.
Application Number | 20210138508 17/099314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005346993 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210138508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williamson; Clayton ; et
al. |
May 13, 2021 |
Haptic Transducer Device and Insole for Receiving The Same
Abstract
Embodiments include a haptic transducer device comprising a
magnetic assembly including a yoke and a magnet disposed within an
inner cavity formed by the yoke. The device further includes a
diaphragm having a top surface, a ledge projecting below and
outwards relative to the top surface, and a sidewall extending
downwards from the ledge towards the inner cavity. The device also
includes a suspension extending concentrically around the diaphragm
and including arms extending between inner and outer edges of the
suspension, the inner edge being attached to the ledge of the
diaphragm and the outer edge being attached to the outer ledge of
the yoke. The device further includes a coil attached to the
sidewall of the diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity.
One embodiment further includes an attachment groove integrated
into the top surface of the diaphragm and configured for receiving
attachment structures included on a footwear insole.
Inventors: |
Williamson; Clayton; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Seiler; Brock Maxwell; (Jefferson
Valley, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SonicSensory, Inc. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005346993 |
Appl. No.: |
17/099314 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15659349 |
Jul 25, 2017 |
10835924 |
|
|
17099314 |
|
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|
62366581 |
Jul 25, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 17/00 20130101;
B06B 1/045 20130101; H02K 33/02 20130101; A43B 3/0021 20130101;
H02K 1/34 20130101; A43B 3/0005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B06B 1/04 20060101
B06B001/04; A43B 3/00 20060101 A43B003/00; H02K 1/34 20060101
H02K001/34; H02K 33/02 20060101 H02K033/02 |
Claims
1. A haptic transducer device, comprising: a magnetic assembly
including a yoke, an inner cavity formed by the yoke, and a magnet
disposed within the inner cavity; a diaphragm having a top surface,
a ledge projecting below and outwards relative to the top surface,
and a sidewall extending downwards from the ledge towards the inner
cavity; a suspension extending concentrically around the diaphragm
and including a plurality of arms extending between an inner edge
of the suspension and an outer edge of the suspension, the inner
edge being attached to the ledge of the diaphragm and the outer
edge being attached to the outer ledge of the yoke; and a coil
attached to the sidewall of the diaphragm and suspended within the
inner cavity below the suspension.
2. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein an inner
diameter of the ledge of the diaphragm is less than a diameter of
the coil.
3. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein an overall
diameter of the diaphragm is greater than or equal to the diameter
of the coil.
4. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, further comprising one
or more electrical leads disposed on the diaphragm and coupled to
the coil via fixed electrical connections.
5. The haptic transducer device of claim 4, wherein the fixed
electrical connections are formed by one or more electrical wires
respectively coupling the one or more electrical leads to the coil,
and one or more channels for securely housing the respective
electrical wires.
6. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of
the inner edge of the suspension is less than a diameter of the
coil.
7. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, further comprising an
attachment groove integrated into the top surface of the diaphragm
and configured for receiving attachment structures included on a
footwear insole.
8. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein an overall
diameter of the device is substantially equal to an overall
diameter of the yoke.
9. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein the yoke forms
at least part of an outer housing of the device.
10. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein a center of
gravity of the device is substantially aligned with a central axis
of the coil.
11. The haptic transducer device of claim 1, wherein a top end of
the coil is attached to the sidewall of the diaphragm and a bottom
end of the coil hangs between the yoke and the magnet.
12. A haptic transducer, comprising: a housing comprising an outer
ledge surrounding an inner cavity; a diaphragm at least partially
positioned within the inner cavity; an attachment groove integrated
into a top surface of the diaphragm and configured for receiving
attachment structures included on a footwear insole; an annular
suspension coupled to the outer ledge of the housing and extending
concentrically around the diaphragm; and a coil coupled to the
diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity
13. The haptic transducer of claim 12, wherein the housing includes
a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet surrounded by a yoke, the
yoke forming the inner cavity and comprising the outer ledge.
14. The haptic transducer of claim 12, further comprising one or
more electrical leads disposed on the diaphragm and coupled to the
coil via fixed electrical connections.
15. The haptic transducer of claim 12, wherein an inner edge of the
suspension is coupled to an inner ledge of the diaphragm, and the
inner diameter of the inner ledge is less than a diameter of the
coil.
16. The haptic transducer of claim 12, wherein a center of gravity
of the device is substantially aligned with a central axis of the
coil.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 15/659,349, filed Jul. 25, 2017 and
issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 10,835,924, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/366,581, filed Jul. 25, 2016,
the entire contents of both applications being incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Consumers of multi-media entertainment are seeking methods
of heightened multi-sensory immersion. Existing systems for
providing audio immersion includes use of a subwoofer to feel the
low tones of music and to improve the audio of a motion picture or
a video game, and the use of surround sound to immerse the user in
a more entertaining experience. Aside from audio content, these
methods do not provide a multi-sensory stimulation while in a
virtual reality or other audio-visual scenario. These methods are
exposed in an open environment including multiple stands, wires,
and other devices that impart stimuli and are used by more than one
person at a time. Furthermore, these methods may be damaging to the
ears because they are often pushed too high in volume to create the
immersive sound and feeling. Moreover, sub-woofers, in particular,
are not convenient for users that prefer experiencing multi-media
entertainment while "on the go," as the physical size of sub-woofer
devices prevent portability. At the same time, other existing
devices, such as conventional earphones, are not capable of
providing the same low frequency effect as sub-woofers.
[0003] Another area for providing multi-sensory immersion is
tactile or haptic stimulation, which can make an entertainment
experience even more enjoyable when combined with audio and/or
audio-visual immersion. For example, vibrations generated based on
audio signals for a musical piece can be synchronized with the
audio signals to provide an enhanced music experience where the
user both hears and feels the music. Some existing haptic devices,
like piezo-electric transducers, are separate from the audio/visual
output devices and therefore, require separate components to
produce synchronized operation with the rest of the multi-media
experience. Other existing haptic devices, such as bass shakers and
multifunction transducers, can provide both audio and tactile
stimulation but have various drawbacks. For example, most bass
shakers have poor dampening characteristics that can cause
unpleasant lingering vibrations. Also, most multifunction
transducers have predetermined resonant frequencies that are
difficult to modify without disassembly.
[0004] Accordingly, there is still a need for an improved haptic
transducer that can be used to provide a personal multisensory
experience while in a virtual reality, surround sound, or other
audio-visual scenario, by capturing the energy, vibration, or other
immersive stimuli associated with the audio-visual content and
delivering the immersive content in synchrony with the audio-visual
content to the person of the user.
SUMMARY
[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
compact haptic transducer device configured to receive electrical
signals (e.g., audio and/or haptic signals) from a controller
through either a wired or wireless connection. In certain
embodiments, the haptic transducer of the present disclosure
includes a unique design that allows for a more rugged and durable
driver configured to provide haptic feedback to the user through
footwear worn by the user. The controller can be in communication
with an entertainment system, and the haptic transducer device can
be configured to impart a vibration based on an indication of
reproduced sound to enhance an entertainment experience. For
example, the haptic transducer may dramatically improve the
experience of listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a
video game.
[0006] Embodiments also include an insole configured for receiving
the haptic transducer and for placement in a bottom of a piece of
footwear, such as a shoe. Embodiments can also include a footwear
device for enhancing an entertainment experience by including a
haptic transducer mounted to an insole of the footwear, such as a
shoe. Placing the haptic transducer into footwear can expand the
audio event outside the confines of the head to involve the body,
or at least a foot of the user, in an immersive, tactile, and
portable experience. In some embodiments, the vibrations simulate
force feedback that would resonate from the ground at a live
event.
[0007] One example embodiment includes a haptic transducer device
comprising a magnetic assembly including a yoke, an inner cavity
formed by the yoke, and a magnet disposed within the inner cavity;
a diaphragm having a top surface, a ledge projecting below and
outwards relative to the top surface, and a sidewall extending
downwards from the ledge towards the inner cavity; a suspension
extending concentrically around the diaphragm and including a
plurality of arms extending between an inner edge of the suspension
and an outer edge of the suspension, the inner edge being attached
to the ledge of the diaphragm and the outer edge being attached to
the outer ledge of the yoke; and a coil attached to the sidewall of
the diaphragm and suspended within the inner cavity below the
suspension.
[0008] Another example embodiment includes a haptic transducer
comprising a housing comprising an outer ledge surrounding an inner
cavity; a diaphragm at least partially positioned within the inner
cavity; an attachment groove integrated into a top surface of the
diaphragm and configured for receiving attachment structures
included on a footwear insole; an annular suspension coupled to the
outer ledge of the housing and extending concentrically around the
diaphragm; and a coil coupled to the diaphragm and suspended within
the inner cavity.
[0009] Yet another example embodiment includes an insole for
placement in a piece of footwear, the insole comprising a tongue
portion comprising raised structures configured for insertion into
a groove portion of a haptic transducer for forming a tongue and
groove attachment to the haptic transducer, the tongue portion
being included on an underside of the insole.
[0010] The appended claims define this application. The present
disclosure summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be
used to limit the claims. Other implementations are contemplated in
accordance with the techniques described herein, as will be
apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination
of the following drawings and detailed description, and these
implementations are intended to be within the scope of this
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a better understanding of the invention, reference may
be made to embodiments shown in the following drawings. The
components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and related
elements may be omitted to emphasize and clearly illustrate the
novel features described herein. In addition, system components can
be variously arranged, as known in the art. In the figures, like
referenced numerals may refer to like parts throughout the
different figures unless otherwise specified.
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of an example
haptic transducer in accordance with embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the haptic transducer of
FIG. 1A in accordance with embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the haptic
transducer of FIG. 1A in accordance with embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the haptic
transducer of FIG. 1B in accordance with embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 1E illustrates a partial, close-up cross-sectional view
of the haptic transducer of FIG. 1D, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1F illustrates a top perspective view of example
electrical leads included in the haptic transducer of FIG. 1A, in
accordance with embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 1G illustrates a top view of the haptic transducer of
FIG. 1A in accordance with embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 2A illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example
shoe insole configured to receive the haptic transducer of FIG. 1A
in accordance with embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a partially transparent, top perspective
of the insole of FIG. 2A coupled to the haptic transducer of FIG.
1A in accordance with embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insole and
haptic transducer shown in FIG. 2B in accordance with
embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
example haptic transducer in accordance with embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the haptic transducer of
FIG. 3A in accordance with embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the haptic transducer of
FIG. 3C in accordance with embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
example haptic transducer in accordance with embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the haptic transducer of
FIG. 4A in accordance with embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the haptic transducer of
FIG. 4A in accordance with embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] While the haptic transducer device and insole of the present
disclosure may be embodied in various forms, the Figures show and
this Specification describes some exemplary and non-limiting
embodiments of the haptic transducer device and insole. The present
disclosure is an exemplification of the haptic transducer device
and insole, and does not limit the system and method of the present
disclosure to the specific illustrated and described embodiments.
Not all of the depicted or described components may be required,
and some embodiments may include additional, different, or fewer
components. The arrangement and type of the components may vary
without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims set forth
herein.
[0029] Existing haptic transducer devices or drivers can include a
yoke, a magnet, a top plate, a frame or basket, a voice coil, a
spider or suspension, and a diaphragm (e.g., a cone or a dome). The
diaphragm is supported by the frame and is attached to the coil.
The spider is a ring of flexible material that is attached between
the frame and the coil and configured to hold the coil in position
and dampening oscillations of the coil and the diaphragm, but also
allow them to move back and forth freely. The yoke is at the back
or bottom of the driver, and the design of the yoke affects the
efficiency and stability of the magnet assembly within the motor.
The magnet sits above the yoke and is the driving force of the
driver. The top plate, together with the yoke and the magnet,
completes the magnetic assembly or motor of the driver. Unlike
traditional speakers, both the coil and the motor of the haptic
transducer are resiliently mounted within the housing and capable
of oscillating.
[0030] Electrical signals are transmitted to the coil through one
or more electrical leads attached to the haptic transducer. The
electrical signals may include audio or haptic information. The
coil is a basic electromagnet and is suspended in a magnetic field
created by the magnetic assembly. Applying electrical signals to
the coil causes the coil to move back and forth, like a piston,
relative to the magnetic assembly, due to changes in the
electromagnet's polar orientation each time the electrical current
flowing through the coil changes direction. This movement pushes
and pulls on the diaphragm attached to the coil, which causes the
diaphragm to vibrate. The coil movement also drives the magnetic
assembly to oscillate. In this manner, the coil may serve as an
actuator for moving the diaphragm and the magnetic assembly.
[0031] Due to its mass and flexible mounting, the magnetic assembly
oscillates at a relatively low frequency within the range of
frequencies that are easily perceptible to a user. When the coil is
excited by signals at a frequency in the resonant frequency range
of the transducer, the transducer will vibrate to produce haptic
signals. A user can place the transducer in close proximity to the
user's body to perceive tactile sensations generated by these
haptic signals. In some cases, the haptic signals are transmitted
to the user through inertial vibration of an outer housing of the
transducer.
[0032] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
haptic transducer device uniquely configured for mounting to an
insole, the insole being designed for placement in a shoe or other
footwear. In certain embodiments, the haptic transducer of the
present disclosure is configured to provide a compact and rugged
driver system that is capable of withstanding pressure from a user,
particularly when placed in footwear, while still effectively
providing haptic feedback to the wearer. This rugged design is
possible due to certain design considerations.
[0033] First, the haptic transducer includes fixed electrical leads
for receiving the electrical signals and providing a more rugged
electrical connection, rather than the flexible leads that are
found in conventional haptic transducers and are prone to
mechanical failure. Second, the haptic transducer includes a
"razorback" or winding spider configured to more evenly distribute
stresses across the spider, provide a more compact form factor for
the transducer, and provide a larger range for safe excursion.
Third, the haptic transducer includes a floating motor and a
floating coil, which allows for dual modes of operation depending
on the amount of pressure applied to the haptic transducer device,
for example, by the user's foot when worn within a shoe. Fourth,
the haptic transducer can be configured for attachment to the
insole through a tongue and groove connection that is designed to
maximize the amount of surface area on the haptic transducer that
is in contact with, and imparting vibrations to, the insole, and to
provide a secure and simple connection that allows for rotational
and axial alignment between the insole and the device. A fifth
feature of the haptic transducer of the present disclosure is an
offset dome configured to reduce stresses on and increase excursion
of the spider, which provides for greater reliability and
durability than most larger drivers.
[0034] FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate multiple views of an example haptic
transducer device 100 in accordance with embodiments. FIG. 1A
illustrates a top perspective view of the haptic transducer 100.
FIGS. 1B and 1C provide side and bottom perspective views,
respectively, of an outer housing of the haptic transducer 100. As
shown, the haptic transducer 100 includes a pair of fixed leads
102, a spider 104, and a diaphragm 106.
[0035] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1D and 1E,
the diaphragm 106 is generally bell-shaped but with a stepped
configuration comprised of a dome-like top portion coupled to a
flared lower portion. The dome-like top portion includes a
substantially flat top surface 106a and a first sidewall that
extends downwards from, and substantially perpendicular to, the top
surface 106a. The flared lower portion includes an inner ledge 106b
that extends outwards from, and substantially perpendicular to, the
first sidewall, and a second sidewall 106c that extends downwards
from, and substantially perpendicular to, the inner ledge 106b. As
shown, the inner ledge 106b (also referred to herein as a "ledge")
projects or flares out from a bottom of the top portion, such that
the ledge 106b projects outwards relative to, and is positioned
vertically below, the top surface 106a. The ledge 106b then curves
or steps downwards to form the second sidewall 106c (also referred
to herein as a "sidewall"), which extends down towards and into the
inner cavity of the haptic transducer 100. In embodiments, an
overall height of the diaphragm 106 (e.g., a height of the first
sidewall plus a height of the second sidewall 106c) may be selected
based on the maximum excursion, or vertical movement, of the
driver, or in order to provide enough room for such excursion
without collision.
[0036] The spider 104 is attached to the ledge 106b of the
diaphragm 106. As shown in the top view of FIG. 1G, the spider 104
has a generally annular shape that extends concentrically around
the diaphragm 106. In certain embodiments, the spider 104 is
attached to the diaphragm 106 by glue or other adhesive
material.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1A, the top surface 106a of the diaphragm
106 (also referred to herein as a "dome") provides a housing or
mounting surface for the fixed leads 102. The dome 106 also
includes an attachment groove 108 integrated into the top surface
106a of the dome 106 and centered on the dome 106. This built-in
attachment groove 108 can be configured to form a grove portion of
a tongue and grove connection between the transducer 100 and a
footwear insole, as described in more detail herein with respect to
FIGS. 2A-2C. When placed in a shoe, for example, a bottom surface
of the haptic transducer 100 faces a bottom of the shoe and the top
surface 106a of the transducer 100 can face and be attached to an
underside of the insole, such that the transducer 100 is positioned
between the insole and the shoe. In embodiments, the dome 106 may
be made of plastic or other non-magnetic material.
[0038] As better illustrated by the cross-sectional views in FIGS.
1D and 1E, the transducer 100 also includes a yoke 110 that forms
the bottom surface and side walls (or lower housing) of the haptic
transducer 100. As shown, an outer ledge 110a of the yoke 110
extends around a perimeter of the yoke 110 to support or attach to
the spider 104. A magnet 112 is positioned within an inner cavity
113 or center of the yoke 110, which is surrounded by the outer
ledge 110a, as shown in FIG. 1D. A top plate 114 sits above the
magnet 112. In embodiments, the yoke 110, the magnet 112, and the
top plate 114 can make up a magnetic assembly, or motor, of the
transducer 100. In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly further
includes a bottom plate 115 positioned between the magnet 112 and
the yoke 110.
[0039] As shown, the yoke 110 serves as, at least part of, an outer
housing for the transducer 100. In some embodiments, an overall
diameter of the transducer 100 is determined by, or substantially
equal to, an overall diameter of the yoke 110. The yoke 110 can
also serve as the frame or basket of the transducer 100. For
example, conventional transducers use a separate frame piece to
locate the motor (i.e. the magnet, top plate, yoke, and pedestal)
relative to the moving suspension and diaphragm assembly. In the
illustrated embodiment, the yoke 110 is configured to support the
suspension-diaphragm assembly (e.g., via the connection between the
spider 104 and the outer ledge 110a of the yoke 110), which
eliminates the need for a separate frame in the transducer 100. The
frame-less design of the transducer 100 reduces manufacturing costs
(e.g., due to the removal of the frame piece) and simplifies
assembly of the transducer 10. The frame-less design also increases
durability by removing the possibility of failure modes tied to the
frame (e.g., the plastic frame piece weakening with heat) or the
bonding of the frame to other components.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1D, the transducer 100 further includes a
coil 116. In some embodiments, the coil 116 can include a length of
wire (e.g., copper wire) wound around a core to form a traditional
electromagnet. In other embodiments, the coil 116 can be an etched
coil formed by printing or etching wire windings directly onto a
flexible material (e.g., metallic ribbon). In the illustrated
embodiment, the coil 116 has a generally annular shape, and a top
end of the coil 116 is coupled to the downward-extending, lower
sidewall 106c of the dome 106. As shown, the coil 116 can be
coupled to an inside of the sidewall 106c. In other embodiments,
the coil 116 may be attached to an outside of the sidewall 106c
(not shown). As illustrated in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the coil 116 forms
a generally flat surface or sidewall that extends downwards from
the dome 106 into the inner cavity 113 and towards the top plate
114. The coil 116 also extends concentrically around the top plate
114 and the magnet 112.
[0041] In embodiments, placement, as well as sizing, of the coil
116 can be configured to avoid contact with the pieces of the
magnetic assembly. For example, as shown, only the top end of the
coil 116 may be attached to another surface (i.e. the sidewall 106c
of the dome 106), so that a bottom portion of the coil 116 is
suspended or floating between the sidewalls of the yoke 110 and the
magnet 112, or within the magnetic gap formed thereby. In
embodiments, the attachment or joint between the dome 106 and the
coil 116 along the sidewall 106c is concealed by, or positioned
under, the spider 104. As a result, the attachment point can travel
into, or be disposed within, the magnetic gap. This configuration
can prevent the coil 116 from limiting the excursion of the motor.
For example, in a conventional transducer, the joint between the
dome and the coil typically provides a hard stop that collides with
the yoke and thus, limits the excursion of the motor. In one
example embodiment, the transducer 100 can be made approximately
two millimeters thinner by fully immersing the joint between the
coil 116 and the dome 106 within the gap formed between the yoke
110 and the magnet 112.
[0042] In various embodiments, the motor, which includes the yolk
110, the magnet 112, and the top plate 114, is also configured to
be floating, at least relative to the coil 116. The floating motor
is achieved by coupling only the outer ledge 110a of the yoke 110
to the outer diameter of the spider 104 and by coupling the inner
diameter of the spider 104 to the ledge 106b of the dome 106. Thus,
the motor is not connected to the coil 116 and can move
independently of the coil. By contrast, in conventional haptic
transducers, the coil is attached directly to the yoke, or the pole
piece included in the yoke, and to the spider, such that the motor
is not free to move relative to the coil.
[0043] In embodiments, the floating motor and the floating coil 116
enable the transducer 100 to have two modes of operation when
attached to a footwear insole and worn by the user. The first mode
of operation can be initiated when only light pressure is applied
to the transducer 100 (e.g., by the foot of the user) and
therefore, the coil 116 is still free to move within the space
between the magnet 112 and the yoke 110. The second mode of
operation can be initiated when heavy pressure is applied to the
transducer 100 and therefore, the coil 116 is no longer free to
move, but the motor of the transducer 100 is still free to move
relative to the insole. This option for dual operational modes
allows for a more efficient use of transducer resources and helps
improve durability and reliability of the transducer 100.
[0044] Moreover, the transducer 100 is designed such that a center
of gravity of the moving parts within the transducer 100 is aligned
with a central axis of the coil 116, and a majority of the mass
included in the transducer 100 is positioned below the coil 116,
such as, for example, the magnet 112, the plates 114 and 115, and a
bottom portion of the yoke 110, as shown in FIG. 1D. As a result,
as the floating motor moves up and down within the transducer 100
during operation, the movement is more evenly distributed along a
central axis of the transducer 100, thereby avoiding, or reducing
the tendency for, side to side movement, such as, e.g., rocking,
tilting, or pendulum motion. This increased stability is at least
partially due to the frameless design of the transducer 100, which
helps move the center of gravity of the motor closer to the central
axis of the coil.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1D, the spider 104 (also referred to herein
as a "suspension") is positioned above the coil 116 and the
magnetic assembly of the haptic transducer 100. As also shown, the
spider 104 is coupled between the ledge 106b of the dome 106 and
the outer edge 110a of the yoke 110. In embodiments, this spider
design helps provide the haptic transducer 100 with several
advantageous improvements over conventional haptic transducer
designs. For example, in a conventional haptic transducer, the
diaphragm is attached to an outer diameter of the frame, and the
spider is attached between an inner diameter of the frame and the
coil, such that the overall diameter of the transducer is
determined by the outer diameter of the frame/diaphragm. In the
illustrated embodiments, the frame is removed, and instead, an
outer diameter of the yoke 110 determines the overall diameter of
the transducer 100. In addition, the diaphragm or dome 106 has an
offset design, relative to the driver. In particular, the dome 106
is configured to have a diameter that is smaller than an overall
diameter of the transducer 100 by coupling the spider or suspension
104 between the ledge 106b of the dome 106 and the outer edge 110a
of the yoke 110. Also, the ledge 106b of the dome 106 is configured
to have an inner diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the
coil 116, and the lower sidewall 106c of the dome 106 is configured
to extend just outside of the coil 116, such that an overall
diameter of the dome 106 overlaps with, or exceeds, the diameter of
the coil 116. This configuration of the spider 104, the coil 116,
and the offset dome 106 helps achieve dual goals of keeping an
overall diameter of the transducer 100 as small as possible to
obtain a smaller overall form factor, and creating a larger
distance or clearance between an outer edge 104a and an inner edge
104b of the spider 104 for improved coil operation.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1G, the spider 104 can be configured to
have a generally annular shape with a "razorback" or winding design
formed by a plurality of arms or ribs extending between the outer
spider edge 104a and the inner spider edge 104b. The inner edge
104b of the spider 104 forms an open center 104c, and a top portion
of the dome 106 extends through the open center 104c of the spider
104. In embodiments, the spider 104 can be composed of any suitable
flexible but sturdy material (e.g., metal or plastic) that is
capable of withstanding or absorbing the stresses applied thereto.
As shown in FIG. 1E, the inner edge 104b of the spider 104 is
positioned on and attached to the ledge 106b of the dome 106 and
has a width configured to substantially match a width of the ledge
106b of the dome 106. Likewise, the outer edge 104a of the spider
104 is positioned on and attached to the outer ledge 110a of the
yoke 110 and has a width configured to substantially match a width
of the outer ledge 110a of the yoke 110. In embodiments, the spider
104 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to make these two
attachment areas as narrow as possible while still creating a
sturdy contact with the respective surfaces. By making the
attachment areas narrower, the remaining, winding portions of the
spider 104 can be made wider, thus providing a larger surface area
for absorbing the stresses applied to the spider 104.
[0047] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1G, the arms 140d of
the spider 104 form a series of curved extensions that float
horizontally in the space between the dome 106 and the yoke 110. By
curving back and forth within this space, the arms 104d (also
referred to as "windings") increase an overall surface area for the
spider 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the spider 104 is
comprised of three arms 104d, each arm 104d having one end attached
to, or extending from, the outer spider edge 104a and the other end
attached to, or extending fro, the inner spider edge 104b. In FIG.
1G, each arm 104d includes two floating extensions or curved
portions that are formed by winding or zigzagging back and forth to
fill the horizontal space between the ledge 106b of the dome 106
and the outer ledge 110a of the yoke 110. In other embodiments,
each arm 104d of the spider 104 may include fewer extensions or
windings, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, or more
windings than that shown in FIG. 1G. In some embodiments, the
spider 104 may include fewer or more than the three arms 104d
illustrated herein.
[0048] A conventional transducer would require a much larger
diameter to achieve the same level of performance as the transducer
100, including accommodating the larger moving mass and the higher
amount of stress resulting therefrom. The several windings of the
spider 104 can reduce an overall stress on the spider 104 by more
evenly distributing the applied stress across a larger surface
area, thus improving the durability of the transducer 100 and
resulting in a larger range of safe excursion for the transducer
100. The winding design of the spider 104 also helps maintain a
compact form factor for the overall transducer 100, as it allows a
diameter of the coil 116 and an outer diameter of the yoke 110 to
be close together, or substantially overlap.
[0049] In embodiments, the size, shape, and configuration of the
spider 104 can be selected in view of a number of design
considerations, in addition to or along with those discussed above.
For example, to provide a haptic transducer with a compact design
that is capable of fitting within the insole of a shoe, it is
important to keep an overall outer diameter of the spider 104 as
small as possible. However, to provide a suspension 104 capable of
sturdy stress management for the transducer 100, it is also
important to provide sufficient surface area between the inner
spider edge 104b and the outer spider edge 104a to absorb the
stresses placed on the transducer 100. Furthermore, maintaining an
appropriately large distance, or clearance, between an inside
diameter of the spider 104, or formed by the inner spider edge
104b, and an outside diameter of the spider 104, formed by the
outer spider edge 104a, is critical for magnetic efficiency and
stability, speaker sensitivity, and power handling, and is easier
for production and quality control. For example, this clearance
provides the space required for allowing proper coil operation
without contacting the magnetic assembly. However, if the coil gap
is too large, the transducer 100 will not perform as well due to
low magnetic field strength and poor heat dissipation.
[0050] FIGS. 1A and 1G depict an exterior of the transducer 100 and
show that the electrical leads 102 are accessible for electrical
connection from the exterior of the transducer 100. Each of the
electrical leads 102 can be a metal contact pad disposed or
positioned on the top or external surface 106a of the dome 106 in
order to facilitate forming an electrical connection with an
external signal source. For example, electrical signals can be
applied to the coil 116 by electrically connecting the leads 102 to
a controller, a media player, a wireless receiver, or other
external signal source. FIG. 1F depicts the haptic transducer 100
with the dome 106 drawn in phantom or transparent lines, in order
to show that each electrical lead 102 is internally connected to
the coil 116 via a respective one of the electrical wires 118. The
dome structure 106 includes internal channels or slots 119
configured to securely receive or house the electrical wires 118
therein as they travel from the leads 102 to the coil 116, thus
providing fixed electrical connections between the two. The
channels 119 may be carved into, or formed within, a portion of the
top surface 106a, the ledge 106b, the sidewall 106c, and/or other
parts of the diaphragm 106 that fall within the pathway from the
leads 102 to the coil 116.
[0051] The fixed leads 102 of the present disclosure provide
several advantageous improvements over conventional haptic
transducers. For example, in conventional transducers, the
electrical leads are encased in a rigid structure but form
electrical connections with the coil that are designed to flex
and/or move along with the driver motion. As a result, conventional
leads are connected to the driver using glue and solder materials
that are carefully selected to provide an appropriate amount of
flex. However, such movement of the leads allows for failures. And
due to the flexible nature of these electrical connections, the
flex leads can form the weakest point of the conventional driver.
The present disclosure removes these design considerations and
concerns by fixedly attaching the electrical leads 102 to the coil
116 via the channels 119 for receiving the electrical wires 118 and
by providing metal contact pads 102 on an external surface of the
transducer 100 for receiving electrical signals, thereby allowing
for a more rugged connection between the coil 116 and the external
signal source.
[0052] The fixed electrical leads 102 also remove the need for a
frame. In conventional haptic transducers, the frame is needed to
allow passage of the electrical leads there through, the electrical
leads being accessible from an external surface of the frame. In
the haptic transducer 100 of the present disclosure, the dome 106
serves this function without the frame by including a platform for
receiving the electrical leads 102 on the top surface 106a of the
dome 106.
[0053] In some embodiments, the transducer 100 can further include
a top cover 120 configured to mechanically secure the spider 104 to
the driver. In conventional haptic transducers, a weight of the
moving mass within the driver is relatively low, such as, e.g., 1
gram (g), and therefore, a glue or other adhesive is sufficient to
secure the spider to the frame. In the present disclosure, the
weight of the moving mass within the driver is much heavier (e.g.,
80-100 g) and therefore, adhesive may not be enough to secure the
spider 104 to the dome 106 and/or yoke 110, or prevent the spider
104 from flying off during oscillation of the driver. Accordingly,
in addition to gluing the spider 104 to the dome 106 and/or the
yoke 110, the top cover 120 can be added to keep the spider 104 in
place. In some embodiments, the top cover 120 can have a two-piece
construction to reinforce the connection to the spider 104 on both
the outside and inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 1E, the top
cover 120 may include an outer collar 120a disposed around an outer
perimeter of the transducer 100 to secure the outer edge 104a of
the spider 104 to the outer ledge 110a of the yoke 110. The top
cover 120 may also include an inner collar 120b disposed around the
diaphragm 106 for securing the inner edge 104b of the spider 104 to
the ledge 106b of the diaphragm 106, as also shown in FIG. 1E.
[0054] Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2C, shown is an example insole 200
configured for connection to the haptic transducer 100 and for
placement in a piece of footwear. In embodiments, the insole 200
(also referred to herein as "footwear insole") includes a tongue
portion 202 on an underside of the insole 200 that is configured to
form a tongue and groove connection with the attachment groove 108
of the dome 106 of the transducer 100. The tongue portion 202 is
visible in FIG. 2A, which depicts a bottom perspective view of the
shoe insole 200 without the haptic transducer 100 in place. FIG. 2B
depicts a top perspective view of the shoe insole 200 coupled to
the haptic transducer 100, the insole 200 being drawn partially
transparent in order to show the transducer 100 coupled to the
underside of the insole 200. FIG. 2C depicts a cross-sectional view
of the shoe insole 200 and the haptic transducer 100 inserted into
the tongue portion 202 of the insole 200.
[0055] As shown, each of the insole 200 and the dome 106 can
include a combination of depressions and raised edges that are
configured to interconnect when the attachment groove 108 on the
top surface of the transducer 100 is inserted into the tongue
portion 202 of the insole 200, or vice versa. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 2C, the tongue portion 202 includes protrusions
or raised structures that extend down vertically from the underside
of the insole 200 and are configured to fit into, or be received
by, the attachment groove 108 on the top surface of the transducer
100.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive is also applied to
one or more of the transducer 100 and/or the shoe insole 200 to
further secure the connecting surfaces together. In certain
embodiments, the adhesive is loaded in shear, rather than in
tension, to provide a more reliable bond between the tongue portion
202 and the attachment groove 108.
[0057] Thus, the tongue and groove connection of the present
disclosure provides the haptic transducer 100 with a fastener-less
attachment or integrated mounting technique. Moreover, due to the
pre-configured structures and depressions included therein, the
tongue and groove connection enables precise rotational and axial
alignment during installation of the haptic transducer 100, thereby
enabling easy and reliable assembly of the transducer 100 with the
insole 200. For example, the attachment groove 108 can be centered
on the top surface of the transducer 100. Further, the tongue
portion 202 can be positioned on the insole 200 so as to maximize
the haptic effect of the transducer signals. The tongue and groove
connection also provides a large surface area for attaching the
haptic transducer 100 to the insole 200, thus increasing a contact
area between the insole 200 and the driver. As will be appreciated,
the vibrations or haptic signals generated by the haptic transducer
100 can be transferred to the insole 200, and thereby, to the foot
of the user, via this contact area. At the same time, the tongue
and groove connection can be configured to leave a space between
the underside of the insole 200 and the spider 104 of the
transducer 100, so that the driver has enough room to oscillate
during operation. For example, the structures included on the
underside of the insole 200 can be sized and shaped to avoid
contact with the spider 104 or otherwise extend too far past the
top of the diaphragm 106.
[0058] In embodiments, the insole 200 coupled to the haptic
transducer 100 forms a unitary piece configured for insertion into
any suitable piece of footwear, including shoes, sandals, etc. In
some embodiments, this unitary piece (also referred to herein as a
"vibrating insole") is included in a footwear device configured for
enhancing an entertainment experience (e.g., a video game, a movie,
a musical piece, etc.), and/or an entertainment system for use
therewith, such as, for example, the vibrating footwear device and
entertainment system described in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,644,967,
the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0059] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various views of another example
haptic transducer 300, in accordance with embodiments. The haptic
transducer 300 has dimensions of approximately 40 mm by 18.4 mm.
FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various views of yet another example haptic
transducer 400, in accordance with embodiments. The haptic
transducer 400 has dimensions of approximately 40 mm by 15.7 mm.
While the overall shapes of the transducers 100, 300, and 400 may
differ, the functional, operational, and structural characteristics
of the transducers 300 and 400 may be substantially the same as
that of the transducer 100 described herein. Thus, for the sake of
brevity, the transducers 300 and 400 will not be described in
further detail.
[0060] Any process descriptions or blocks in the figures, should be
understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code
that include one or more executable instructions for implementing
specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate
implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments
described herein, in which functions may be executed out of order
from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently
or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as
would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.
[0061] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any
"preferred" embodiments, are possible examples of implementations
and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of
the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) without substantially departing from
the spirit and principles of the techniques described herein. All
modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope
of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
* * * * *