Linear actuators for use in electronic devices
US10566888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K7/08
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.