Performance Analysis of a CompactThree‐Degree‐of‐FreedomOscillatory Actuator for Haptic Device

Abstract

Asymmetric vibration-based haptic devices are being developed to apply to various applications such as navigation systems. A mobile-type three-dimensional haptic device requires a compact structure. Then, we focused on a three-degree-of-freedom oscillatory actuator (3-DOFOA). However, conventional 3-DOFOAs are large in size and weight because they need a large and complicated support mechanism on the outside of the magnetic circuit. Furthermore, they do not satisfy both the requirement of similar force characteristics in each axis and no interference. To address these issues, we propose a novel 3-DOFOA integrated with a support mechanism that has equal static characteristics in each axis without interference. The proposed structure and operating principle are described in detail in this paper, as well as the force, frequency characteristics, and acceleration responses. As these results, it can be concluded that the proposed actuator is suitable for use as a haptic device.