Deformable Actuator Layer for Haptic Feedback in Vehicle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screen technologies for motor vehicle operation lack dynamic and haptic feedback mechanisms that can provide intuitive and safe user interaction, especially in dynamic environments where visual attention is limited.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a transparent actuator layer that can be convexly or concavely deformed in response to control signals, such as optical or electrical signals, to simulate operating elements and provide haptic feedback through deformation, allowing for pressure-operated switches and intuitive user input on a touch screen surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a touch screen is used for motor vehicle operation, then user input capability is provided, but lack of haptic feedback reduces user interaction safety and intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through actuators that generate vibrations in the protective plane at specific contact points. When a user touches the screen, the system generates haptic feedback signals that create localized vibrations, providing tactile confirmation of the touch input. This mechanical vibration principle transforms the flat touch interface into a multi-sensory interaction system that delivers both visual and tactile feedback, thereby improving user interaction safety and intuitiveness without compromising the touch screen's input capability.
2Reliability
If vibration elements are added to provide haptic feedback, then user interaction safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and haptic feedback function into a single integrated system. The protective plane serves dual purposes: as the touch-sensitive display surface and as the vibration transmission medium. The actuators are positioned to generate vibrations that propagate through the existing protective plane structure, eliminating the need for separate vibration transmission components. This merging approach allows haptic feedback to be added without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the system leverages existing structural elements for multiple functions.
3Ease of operation
If the protective plane is made deformable to provide haptic feedback, then user interaction intuitiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically deformable protective plane that can change its geometric configuration in response to user input and system commands. The protective plane is designed to be deformable at specific points, allowing it to create localized convex or concave regions that provide tactile guidance and haptic feedback. This dynamic deformability enables the interface to adapt its physical characteristics based on operational context, improving user interaction intuitiveness while the deformation is precisely controlled through the actuator system to manage manufacturing tolerances.
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
Enhances user interaction safety by providing tactile confirmation of inputs without requiring visual attention, enabling efficient operation of motor vehicle systems through dynamic and reversible deformation of the actuator layer, which is suitable for motor vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
the control signal may include an optical signal, e.g., light
Implementation Method 2
the control signal may include an electrical and/or electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display, e.g., for displaying information relevant to the operation of a motor vehicle, on the display, an actuator layer being arranged, the operating surface geometry of which is deformable as a function of a control signal.