External Actuator Trackpad Layout for Thinner Haptic Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trackpads in electronic devices require internal batteries for haptic feedback, leading to increased device thickness and a need for thinner, battery-free alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A trackpad design with an actuator positioned outside the touch surface, powered by an external source via a capacitor bank, allowing for reduced thickness and enhanced haptic feedback through a magnetic field mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal batteries are used to power actuators in the trackpad, then haptic feedback capability is achieved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the trackpad assembly by using an external battery located in the keyboard housing. The trackpad actuator is powered wirelessly through electromagnetic induction from an external power source, eliminating the need for an internal battery and reducing trackpad thickness accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the power source from the traditional internal position to an external location in the keyboard housing, utilizing the vertical dimension and external space. This dimensional relocation allows the trackpad to be thinner while maintaining haptic feedback capability through wireless power transfer.
2Reliability
If actuator is positioned inside the touch surface periphery, then haptic feedback is effective, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the actuator from a traditional in-plane configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement above the touch surface. The actuator is mounted on a support structure that extends vertically, allowing the actuator to operate in a different spatial dimension while maintaining effective haptic feedback coupling with the touch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element between the actuator and the touch assembly. This support structure serves as a mediator that positions the actuator above the touch surface while maintaining the necessary mechanical coupling for haptic feedback, simplifying the overall actuator positioning complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If actuator is positioned outside the touch surface periphery, then device thickness is reduced, but haptic feedback coupling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the coupling issue by utilizing the vertical dimension. The actuator is positioned above the touch surface rather than within the planar periphery, maintaining close proximity for effective haptic feedback coupling while being located outside the touch surface boundary. This three-dimensional arrangement enables both thickness reduction and maintained coupling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as a mediator that maintains the coupling between the actuator and touch assembly even when the actuator is positioned outside the touch surface periphery. The support structure ensures proper alignment and mechanical connection, preserving haptic feedback effectiveness while enabling the actuator's external positioning for thickness reduction.
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 thinner trackpads with improved haptic feedback capabilities without the need for internal batteries, reducing device thickness and cost while maintaining efficient power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can be configured to supply the haptic feedback to the trackpad by generating a magnetic field that attracts an attraction plate of the trackpad
Implementation Method 2
The actuator can include an electromagnetic actuator including a coil surrounding a core
Data Source
AI summary
Input devices for electronic devices including trackpads, such as keyboard, and systems that include input devices in communication with electronic devices are disclosed. In an example, an input device includes a trackpad including a touch surface, and an actuator configured to supply haptic feedback to the trackpad. The actuator is disposed outside of a periphery of the touch surface in a view perpendicular to the touch surface. The actuator is disposed to a side of the touch surface in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the touch surface.