Finally, more on frame design!
For anyone who cares about actual images, see
https://tactact.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/frame-design-2/
The frame designs have been on my computer for two weeks now, waiting to be
published. Why the wait? Well, I really do not want a new Optacon or similar
tactile display device to be hindered by patents. This is not just a matter of
personal preference; the cost of patents (either through maintenance or
licensing) might very well kill any chance of success for a new device, as the
market likely isn't big enough to bear this kind of burden.
That is why I have taken some time to prepare for publication in a way that
should make it difficult to grab and patent things. The approach chosen is to
attach digital signatures to descriptions and images, which are then published
and archived at several places. This provides a timestamp, certifies that no
modifications have been made to the original publication, and establishes the
source. Below you will find the signatures and my PGP public key for reference,
upcoming publications of more design details will be digitally signed using the
same key.
Now, on to the frame design. The images show partial frames, exposing internal
design. Actuators and pins are shown as transparent 'ghosts' for reference,
except in the second image (tctct2-frame-open-std-1coil-opdetail.png), where
they are rendered as solid for clarity.
The curved finger plate (shown in blue) at the top is part of the upper frame
and has holes for the pins, and optional dimples (small depressions in the
surface) around pins. The first image (tctct2-frame-open-std-1coil.png) shows
standard Optacon R1 6x24 layout, the second image
(tctct2-frame-open-std-1coil-opdetail.png) shows a closeup of the same (this
time rendered with solid actuator tubes and pins). The third image
(tctct2-frame-open-symm-2coil.png) shows the symmetric version with the same
144 pins, now in staggered finger plate distribution. For the upcoming
prototype the finger plate will be manufactured as a high precision plastic
part and cover the top of the display.
The curved base plate for mounting actuators (shown in green) is part of the
lower frame and has a larger radius but is concentric with the finger plate.
The base plate has holes for mounting actuator tubes; actuators can be mounted
above and below the base plate (below is as shown). The distribution of
actuators at the base plate is not simply a scaled version of the distribution
of pins at the finger plate; rather, the distribution at the base plate is
constrained by actuator shape. Finger plate pin positions are mapped to
corresponding actuators via a simple pattern which results in minimal normal
angle deviations for the pins as shown (see second image,
tctct2-frame-open-std-1coil-opdetail.png). The angles at which actuators are
mounted are not necessarily normal to the base plate surface, nor in line with
the actuator pin from the finger plate; the optimum angle is generally in
between these two. For the upcoming prototype the lower frame will be
manufactured as a cast b
rass part
.
The moving magnet actuators mounted at the base plate may use a single coil
(coils shown in red) around one permanent magnet pole per actuator (as shown in
first and second image) or use two coils encompassing both permanent magnet
poles per actuator (as shown in third image). Actuator coils for the upcoming
prototype will be wound around brass tubes, the brass material allowing for
heat and electricity conduction. Heat dissipated in the coils will be
(partially) conducted to the brass lower frame which also acts as a heat sink.
Also, electrical conductivity of the actuator tubes and lower frame allows for
the formation of a common electrical node (e.g. ground) for the actuators so
that only one external connection per actuator is needed besides the shared
node.
Around the active actuator array mounted at the base plate is a border of
inactive actuator cores containing permanent magnets which provide for a
suitable boundary to limit sideways (radial) forces for the active actuator
array.
More frame and actuator details will follow.
Public key for TACTACT publications:
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