Patent ID: 8169402
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A device, comprising: a mass; a first actuator configured to vibrate the mass; and a coupling disposed between the actuator and the mass or between the mass and a housing, the coupling being a tapered member having a centerline axis, the coupling having a first configuration with a compliance and a second configuration with a compliance, the compliance of the coupling in the first configuration being different from the compliance of the coupling in the second configuration, the actuator being configured to output haptic feedback associated with the first configuration of the coupling and haptic feedback associated with the second configuration of the coupling, the haptic feedback associated with the first configuration of the coupling being different from the haptic feedback associated with the second configuration of the coupling, and a second actuator, the tapered member being coupled to the second actuator, the second actuator being coupled to the housing, the second actuator being configured to rotate the tapered member about its centerline axis to switch between its first configuration and its second configuration.