Control Panel Lever Structure for Localized Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels with vibration actuators provide diffuse vibration feedback that is not confined to specific input surfaces, making it difficult to deliver precise haptic feedback when multiple input points are close together.
Innovation Solution
A control element with a vibration actuator connected indirectly to a lever element, which transmits vibrations to a specific portion of the control panel's rear surface, ensuring precise haptic feedback is delivered only to the intended area through a geometrically matching contact portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibration actuator is attached directly to the control panel component, then vibration feedback is generated, but the vibration effect is diffuse and extends beyond the specific input surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into multiple independent input surfaces, each with its own vibration actuator. This allows each input surface to generate vibration feedback independently and locally, preventing diffuse vibration from affecting adjacent input surfaces. The segmentation enables precise localization of haptic feedback to the specific input area that was activated.
Solution Approach 2:
Each input surface is equipped with vibration actuators that provide localized haptic feedback only to that specific area. The vibration characteristics are optimized for local interaction, ensuring that the feedback is confined to the relevant input surface and does not propagate diffusely to other areas of the control panel.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple input points are arranged close together in the control panel, then space is utilized efficiently, but diffuse vibration from one input point affects adjacent input points
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is divided into distinct segments, each corresponding to a specific input point. Each segment has its own vibration actuator that operates independently, ensuring that haptic feedback from one input point does not interfere with adjacent input points. This segmentation maintains clear distinction between multiple closely-spaced inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration actuators serve as intermediaries that isolate the haptic feedback of each input point. By placing a dedicated actuator at each input location, the system mediates the vibration transmission to ensure it remains localized and does not propagate to adjacent input surfaces, preserving the distinctness of each input's feedback.
3Device complexity
If a vibration actuator is directly mounted on the control panel, then the structure is simple, but the vibration affects an undefined area beyond the input surface
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel structure is segmented into modular units, each containing an input surface and a corresponding vibration actuator. This modular segmentation allows for simple individual units that can be assembled into a complete control panel, while each unit maintains defined vibration boundaries through its self-contained structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each local unit of the control panel is designed with specific vibration characteristics tailored to that input surface. The vibration actuator in each unit is configured to produce feedback only in its local area, creating defined vibration zones without affecting other areas. This local optimization maintains structural simplicity while achieving precise vibration localization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for precise and localized vibration feedback, eliminating unwanted vibrations and noise, enhancing user interaction by confining haptic feedback to the exact input area, thereby improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The lever element transmits a vibration of the vibration actuator to the rear surface of the control element in the area of the locally limited portion of the front side of the control panel
Data Source
AI summary
A control element (1) has a control panel (2) on a front side and a rear surface (3) on a rear side of the control element situated opposite the front side. The control element has a vibration actuator (4) operatively connected to a locally limited portion (5) of the control panel (2). Thus, a touch detected by a sensor on the locally limited portion (5) of the control panel (2) triggers a vibration of the vibration actuator (4). The vibration actuator (4) is connected indirectly, via a lever element (7), to the rear surface (3) on the rear side of the control panel (2). The lever element (7) transmits a vibration of the vibration actuator (4) to the rear surface (3) of the control element in the area of the locally limited portion (5) of the front side of the control panel (2).