A haptic feedback device that produces uniform vibrations within an active area

Abstract

A haptic feedback device for generating uniform vibrations within an active area, comprising: a substrate, a vibration motor, a frame, and a plurality of bumpers; the vibration motor is fixed to the substrate and is off-center, the vibration motor is capable of reciprocating in a first direction; the frame forms a plurality of attachment regions and at least one pair of cantilevered supports, the cantilevered supports are located on both sides along the first direction and are parallel to a second direction, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, the cantilevered supports are partially fixed to the substrate; a plurality of the bumpers are fixed between the substrate and a plurality of the attachment regions; such that uniform vibrations are obtained at each operating position of the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of haptic feedback devices, and particularly relates to haptic feedback devices that generate uniform vibration within an effective area and are applied to various electronic devices such as touchpads, flat keyboards, and tablet computer boards in order to obtain uniform vibration feedback. Background Technology

[0002] Haptic feedback is a common feature in modern electronic products, widely used in touchpads, flat keyboards, tablet computers, and other electronic devices. The concept of haptic feedback is to simulate the feel of a traditional mechanical keyboard and mouse, providing corresponding feedback during touch operations. Ideally, haptic feedback should produce the same or similar vibration feedback regardless of the location of the touch. Figure 1 The diagram shows a preferred structure of this type of haptic feedback device. A vibration motor 14 is positioned at the center of the substrate 11, and is shown as a dashed line on the back side. The substrate 11 can be a touchpad, a flat keyboard, a touchscreen of a tablet computer, etc. Therefore, regardless of where a finger or contact interface (such as a pen) touches the substrate 11, the haptic feedback produced by the vibration source is similar because it is located in the center.

[0003] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a plan view and an exploded view of another embodiment of a conventional haptic feedback device. This type of haptic feedback device includes a substrate 11; a frame 12 supporting the substrate 11; multiple buffer pads 13 connected between the frame 12 and the substrate 11; and a vibration motor 14 connected to the substrate 11, which generates reciprocating vibration along the X-axis. In this embodiment of the haptic feedback device, the bottom center of the substrate 11 must be provided with related wiring, or the space below must be used to install other components, such as electronic parts and batteries. Therefore, the vibration motor 14 can only be positioned off-center from the substrate 11. When the vibration motor 14 is powered on, in addition to the original X-axis vibration, the off-center configuration also generates a Z-axis rotational inertia, such as angular acceleration α. ​​Therefore, uneven vibration occurs at different operating positions on the substrate 11. Simulating actual operation, the vibration motor 14 provides reciprocating vibration in the X direction at a frequency of 250Hz. The substrate 11 weighs approximately 45g. With the vibration motor 14 started at 20V, vibration values ​​were measured at various locations on the substrate 11 after dividing it into a nine-square grid. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0004] Table 1 shows the vibration measurement at each position after the substrate 11 is divided into a nine-square grid.

[0005]

[0006] Table 1

[0007] Therefore, the vibration sensation varies at different operating positions. The farther away from the vibration motor 14, the weaker the tactile feedback of the vibration.

[0008] Table 2 shows the natural frequencies of the substrate 11. Where X: X-axis; Y: Y-axis; Z: Z-axis; ROTX: rotation around the X-axis; ROTY: rotation around the Y-axis; ROTZ: rotation around the Z-axis.

[0009] Natural modes Frequency (Hz) X 250 Y 250 Z 406 ROTX 657 ROTY 716 ROTZ 397

[0010] Table 2

[0011] Analysis of the above data shows that the rigidity of all six degrees of freedom of this device is less than 1 kHz (the stronger the rigidity, the higher the frequency). The ROTZ of the vibration motor 14 after biasing is only about 400 Hz, indicating poor ROTZ rigidity. Therefore, the Z-axis rotational inertia will increase or decrease depending on the contact operation position, as shown in Table 1, resulting in uneven vibration at different operation positions. To solve this problem, the rigidity of the ROTZ of the structure must be strengthened to overcome the uneven vibration problem caused by the torque on the substrate 11. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To address the aforementioned problems, the main objective of this application is to provide a tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within an effective area, ensuring that each operating position still receives uniform tactile feedback even when the vibration source is off-center.

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0014] This application provides a tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within an effective area, comprising: a substrate, a vibration motor, a frame, and multiple buffer pads; the vibration motor is fixed to the substrate and positioned off-center, and the vibration motor is capable of reciprocating vibration in a first direction; the frame forms multiple adhesive areas and at least one pair of cantilever supports, the cantilever supports are located on both sides along the first direction and parallel to a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and the cantilever supports are partially fixed to the substrate; the multiple buffer pads are fixed between the substrate and the multiple adhesive areas.

[0015] As one of the preferred embodiments, the substrate is one of a touchpad, a flat keyboard, or a touch screen of a tablet computer.

[0016] As one of the preferred embodiments, the end of the cantilever bracket away from the frame is the end region, and the end region is adhered to the substrate.

[0017] As one of the preferred embodiments, the cantilever bracket also forms at least one neck section with a relatively narrow width.

[0018] As one of the preferred embodiments, the two cantilever brackets are connected to opposite sides of the frame and are arranged in a reverse symmetrical configuration.

[0019] As one of the preferred embodiments, the two cantilever brackets are connected to the same side of the frame and are symmetrically configured.

[0020] As one of the preferred embodiments, the two pairs of cantilever brackets are respectively connected to the frame and located on both sides along the first direction, in a symmetrical configuration.

[0021] As one of the preferred embodiments, the bonding zones are symmetrically distributed on an average basis along the inner edge of the frame.

[0022] In summary, the tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within an effective area according to the embodiments of this application increases rigidity by the cantilever bracket in the vibration direction perpendicular to the vibration motor, thereby eliminating the rotational inertia along the Z-axis and maintaining the frequency resonance effect required by the original vibration direction. Therefore, even when the vibration source is off-center, each operating position can still obtain uniform vibration tactile feedback. Furthermore, since no additional components or other complex structures are required, the original requirement for thinness can be maintained. The desired uniform vibration is achieved without increasing manufacturing and production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A plan view of a preferred structure for a haptic feedback device.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a plan view of another embodiment of an existing haptic feedback device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of another embodiment of an existing haptic feedback device.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within the effective area according to this application.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the haptic feedback device of this application that generates uniform vibration within an effective area.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the haptic feedback device that generates uniform vibration within the effective area according to this application.

[0029] Figure 7This is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the haptic feedback device of this application that generates uniform vibration within an effective area.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of a third embodiment of the haptic feedback device of this application that generates uniform vibration in an effective area.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 11-Substrate, 12-Frame, 13-Buffer pad, 14-Vibration motor, α-Angular acceleration, 21-Substrate, 22-Frame, 220-Connecting hole, 221-Adhesion area, 222-Cantilever bracket, 223-End area, 224-Neck section, 23-Buffer pad, 24-Vibration motor, 31-First direction, 32-Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "mounted to or fixed to" another component, it means that it can be directly on the other component or that an intermediate component may be present. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it means that it can be directly connected to the other component or that an intermediate component may be present simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are relative and are used to explain the relative structure and movement of different components in this application. These representations are appropriate when the components are in the positions shown in the figures. However, if the description of the component positions changes, then these representations are also considered to change accordingly.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The figures shown are perspective views, exploded views, and bottom views of a first embodiment of a tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within an effective area, according to an embodiment of this application. The tactile feedback device of this application includes: a substrate 21, a frame 22, multiple buffer pads 23, and a vibration motor 24. The vibration motor 24 is fixed to the substrate 21 and positioned off-center, and the vibration motor 24 can reciprocate in a first direction 31. The frame 22 forms multiple bonding areas 221 and at least one pair of cantilever brackets 222. The two cantilever brackets 222 are parallel to the second direction 32 and located on both sides along the first direction. The second direction 32 is perpendicular to the first direction 31. The cantilever brackets 222 are partially fixed to the substrate 21. Multiple buffer pads 23 are fixed between the substrate 21 and the multiple bonding areas 221. When the vibration motor 24 vibrates, the buffer pads 23 allow the substrate 21 and the vibration motor 24 to achieve a resonance effect, satisfying the required vibration feedback effect. The cantilever brackets 222 increase the rigidity in the Y-axis and resist the rotational inertia in the Z-axis caused by the vibration motor 24 vibrating off-center, so that the substrate 21 can maintain uniform vibration feedback in all operating positions.

[0036] Next, a detailed explanation of the structure of each component will be given:

[0037] The substrate 21 can be an electronic device that provides touch sensing, such as a touchpad, a flat keyboard, or a touch screen of a tablet computer. When it is in contact with a finger, stylus, or other contact interface, it generates a corresponding electronic signal and can synchronously drive the vibration motor 24 to vibrate, so that the operation position of the contact point can feel the tactile feedback effect of the vibration.

[0038] The frame 22 is responsible for supporting the substrate 21. In this embodiment, the frame 22 is a rectangular frame slightly larger than the substrate 21. The frame 22 has multiple mounting holes 220 at its four corners for screws to secure it to a base or other platform. The frame 22 has multiple adhesive areas 221 and at least one pair of cantilever supports 222. The adhesive areas 221 are evenly and symmetrically distributed along the inner edge of the frame 22 for the placement of the buffer pad 23. The cantilever supports 222 are connected to the frame 22 and extend into the hollow area within the frame. The two cantilever supports 222 are parallel to the second direction 32 and located on both sides along the first direction 31, which is perpendicular to the vibration direction of the vibration motor 24. In this embodiment, the two cantilever supports 222 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the frame 22, arranged in a reverse symmetrical configuration. The cantilever bracket 222 is partially bonded to the base plate 21. In this embodiment, the end of the cantilever bracket 222 away from the connection to the frame 22 is the end region 223, and the end region 223 is bonded to the base plate 21. Additionally, the cantilever bracket 222 also forms at least one narrow neck section 224; in this embodiment, there are two neck sections 224. The neck section 224 can adjust the rigidity of the cantilever bracket 222 in the first direction 31 so that it does not affect the X-axis vibration frequency during structural operation.

[0039] The buffer pad 23 is adhered to the adhesion area 221 and the substrate 21 from its upper and lower end faces, respectively, serving as the medium connecting the frame 22 and the substrate 21. The material of the buffer pad 23 must facilitate the generation of a resonant frequency between the substrate 21 and the vibration motor 24, thereby generating a large vibration with a very small periodic driving force to obtain good vibration feedback. The material of the buffer pad 23 can be silicone, foam, etc.

[0040] The vibration motor 24 is fixed to the substrate 21. When powered on, the vibration motor 24 can provide reciprocating vibration in the first direction 31, which is perpendicular to the second direction 32.

[0041] To demonstrate that the haptic feedback device of the present invention can indeed generate uniform vibration feedback at each operating position, the following related experiments were conducted. In this embodiment, the vibration motor 24 moves in the first direction, the first direction 31 is the X-axis, the frequency is 250Hz, the substrate 21 weighs approximately 45g, and the vibration motor 24 is started under a voltage of 20V. After dividing the substrate 21 into a nine-square grid, the vibration values ​​at each position were measured, as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below:

[0042] Table 3 shows the vibration measurement at each position after the substrate 21 is divided into a nine-square grid.

[0043]

[0044] Table 3

[0045] Table 4 shows the natural frequencies of the substrate 21. X: X-axis. Y: Y-axis. Z: Z-axis. ROTX: Rotation about the X-axis. ROTY: Rotation about the Y-axis. ROTZ: Rotation about the Z-axis.

[0046] Natural modes Frequency (Hz) X 264 Y 2274 Z 408 ROTX 658 ROTY 719 ROTZ 3080

[0047] Table 4

[0048] Based on the above analysis, the haptic feedback device of this application, due to the cantilever bracket 222, increases the rigidity of the Y-axis and ROTZ. For example, the natural frequency of ROTZ is adjusted to about 3000Hz, which is more than 7.6 times the original natural frequency of ROTZ, thus offsetting the Z-axis rotational inertia generated when the vibration motor 24 vibrates. The natural mode of the X-axis still maintains an appropriate frequency, so it can match the vibration motor 24 to generate resonance and obtain the required intensity of vibration feedback. The results are shown in Table 3. The vibration intensity at each position is measured by the nine-square grid divided by the substrate 21. The vibration intensity distribution in each area is uniform, effectively improving the problem of uneven vibration intensity caused by the offset of the vibration motor 24, and meeting the design requirements of this type of product.

[0049] like Figure 7 The figure shown is a second embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the position of the cantilever bracket 222 connected to the frame 22 is improved. As shown, the two cantilever brackets 222 are connected to the same side of the frame 22 and are symmetrically arranged. Therefore, it can be seen that the shape, size, and position of the cantilever bracket 222 of this application are not limited to a single embodiment.

[0050] like Figure 8 The figure shown is a diagram of the third embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the number of cantilever supports 222 and their positions connected to the frame 22 are increased. As shown, this embodiment has two pairs of cantilever supports 222, and each pair of cantilever supports 222 is connected to the frame 22 and located on both sides along the first direction 31, arranged symmetrically. Therefore, it can be seen that the number of cantilever supports 222 in this application is not limited to a single implementation.

[0051] In summary, this application provides a tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within an effective area. The cantilever bracket 222 increases rigidity perpendicular to the vibration direction of the vibration motor 24, thereby eliminating rotational inertia along the Z-axis while maintaining the original frequency resonance effect. This allows for uniform tactile feedback at all operating positions. The overall design does not require additional components or other complex structures; the cantilever bracket 222 is simply formed during the stamping process of the frame 22, thus avoiding increased costs and achieving the desired uniform vibration.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this application are covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A tactile feedback device that generates uniform vibration within an effective area, characterized in that, include: substrate; A vibration motor is fixed to the substrate and positioned off-center, and the vibration motor can reciprocate in a first direction. The frame forms multiple bonding areas and at least one pair of cantilever supports, the cantilever supports being located on both sides along the first direction and parallel to the second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the cantilever supports being partially fixed to the substrate; the cantilever supports also form at least one narrow neck section; the bonding areas are symmetrically distributed on an average basis along the inner edge of the frame; the frame has multiple mounting holes at its four corners for screws to secure it to a base or other platform; as well as Multiple buffer pads are fixed between the substrate and the multiple adhesive areas; When the vibration motor vibrates, the buffer pad causes the substrate to resonate with the vibration motor, and the cantilever bracket increases the rigidity along the Y-axis to resist the rotational inertia along the Z-axis caused by the vibration motor vibrating off-center; the first direction is the X-axis, and the second direction is the Y-axis.

2. The tactile feedback device for generating uniform vibration within an effective area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate is one of a touchpad, a flat keyboard, or a touch screen of a tablet computer.

3. The tactile feedback device for generating uniform vibration within an effective area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the cantilever bracket away from the frame is the end region, and the end region is adhered to the substrate.

4. The tactile feedback device for generating uniform vibration within an effective area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two cantilever brackets are connected to opposite sides of the frame and are arranged in a reverse symmetrical configuration.

5. The tactile feedback device for generating uniform vibration within an effective area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two cantilever brackets are connected to the same side of the frame and are arranged symmetrically.

6. The tactile feedback device for generating uniform vibration within an effective area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two pairs of cantilever brackets are respectively connected to the frame and located on both sides along the first direction, in a symmetrical configuration.

Images