Elastomer Spacer Elements for Thin Haptic Touch Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors and human-computer interface systems face challenges in integrating efficient touch sensing, pressure sensing, and haptic feedback within a thin and compact form factor without increasing device thickness, while also addressing issues of fatigue and damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a multi-layer inductor integrated into a substrate with a set of magnetic elements and spacer elements, which oscillates the touch sensor surface to provide haptic feedback, while using a flexible mounting system to enable vibration and damping, and a controller to interpret inputs and trigger haptic cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible mounting system with spacer elements is used to enable substrate vibration for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mounting system comprising a baseplate with spring elements and spacer elements that allow the substrate to vibrate flexibly for haptic feedback. The spacer elements include elastomer elements with adhesive layers that provide flexible coupling between the substrate and baseplate, enabling vibration while maintaining a thin profile through the use of thin-film-like flexible structures rather than rigid thick mountings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the multi-layer inductor within the substrate layers themselves rather than mounting it separately, utilizing the vertical layering dimension of the flexible substrate to accommodate the inductor structure. This dimensional integration allows haptic feedback functionality to be achieved without increasing the horizontal footprint or overall device thickness.
2Power
If a multi-layer inductor is integrated into the substrate for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multi-layer inductor structure with the substrate layers, integrating the inductor into the existing flexible substrate construction. The inductor is formed using conductive traces on multiple layers of the flexible substrate, which are then stacked and bonded together. This merging approach allows haptic feedback functionality to be achieved using the substrate's existing manufacturing processes rather than adding separate inductor components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for the touch sensor, provides the mounting platform for the multi-layer inductor, and enables vibration for haptic feedback. The substrate's flexibility and multi-layer construction allow it to perform both structural and electromagnetic functions, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the substrate is rigidly mounted to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but haptic feedback capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid mounting to a dynamic flexible mounting system. The spring elements and elastomer spacers allow the substrate to move and vibrate dynamically in response to electrical signals from the inductor, enabling haptic feedback. The flexible mounting system provides structural stability at rest while allowing controlled dynamic movement during haptic operation, achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates elastomer elements as cushioning components in the spacer structure between the substrate and baseplate. These elastomer elements provide pre-compression and cushioning that maintain structural stability while allowing the substrate to vibrate for haptic feedback. The cushioning elements absorb mechanical stress and protect the rigid inductor structure from damage during vibration cycles.
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
Enables efficient touch and pressure sensing with integrated haptic feedback in a thin package, reducing component fatigue and maintaining a compact form factor, while providing realistic tactile feedback analogous to mechanical switches.
Implementation Method 1
configured to transfer vibrations resulting from vertical or horizontal oscillations
Implementation Method 2
dampen vibrations to the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system for a touch sensor includes: a substrate; a baseplate; and spacer elements. The substrate defines support locations. The baseplate spans a bottom layer of the substrate and defines spring elements: aligned to the support locations of the substrate; and configured to yield to displacement of the substrate toward the baseplate responsive to forces applied over the substrate. The spacer elements: are interposed between the support locations and the spring elements; and are configured to compress responsive to forces applied over the substrate. Each spacer element, in the spacer elements, includes: an elastomer element; a first adhesive layer; and a second adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer: is arranged over the elastomer element; and coupled to the bottom substrate layer at a support location. The second adhesive layer: is arranged below the elastomer element; and coupled to the baseplate at a spring element.