Patent ID: 8398570
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: B06B

Abstract:
1. A transducer to provide a vibrational stimulus to a load in response to an electrical input, the transducer comprising; a housing having a contacting face and an opening in the contacting face; a contactor; at least one spring coupling the contactor to the housing and guiding motion of the contactor in the housing; and at least one eccentric mass motor coupled to the contactor, wherein when the contactor is pressed against the load, the contactor is displaced with respect to the housing to pre-load the contactor against the action of the at least one spring, and in response to receiving an electrical control input, the at least one eccentric mass motor produces inertial forces that vibrate the contactor between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position through the opening, and a compliance corresponding to the at least one spring results in a flat displacement response by the contactor while the contactor operates at or above a resonance associated with the housing, the contactor, the at least one spring, and a load mechanical impedance.