Apple Inc.
Haptic actuator with ferritic core

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are linear actuators and haptic actuators for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the linear actuator comprises two linear arrays of permanent magnets within and fixed to a housing. The linear arrays are arranged in parallel planes oriented toward, and located on opposites sides of, a moveable assembly comprising a shaft having a ferritic core. The shaft comprises a set of conducting coils, each conducting coil being located between a magnet from each of the two linear arrays. The linear actuator comprises a support mechanism that is attached to both the housing and to the moveable assembly and is configured to pivot. An electromagnetic force can arise from a current in the coils to cause the moveable assembly to move linearly between the two linear arrays.