Flexible Piezoelectric Module for Biometric and Haptic Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in simultaneously detecting biometric information and providing haptic feedback effectively, particularly in terms of durability and functionality when using rigid piezoelectric modules.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is designed with a piezoelectric module that includes a first region for detecting biometric information using ultrasonic waves and a second region for providing haptic feedback, utilizing a flexible material with a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer facing each other, and a piezoelectric layer positioned between them, where at least one portion of the piezoelectric layer vibrates in a specific frequency band to emit ultrasonic waves and another portion vibrates in a lower frequency band for haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid piezoelectric module is used, then structural strength is improved, but durability and adaptability to flexible displays deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid piezoelectric module with a flexible piezoelectric module that can conform to the flexible display surface. The flexible module maintains piezoelectric functionality while adapting to the curved or bent display structure, thereby improving durability and reliability without sacrificing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the piezoelectric module from rigid to flexible state. This parameter change allows the module to maintain its piezoelectric properties (electromechanical coupling) while adapting to the flexible display environment, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a single piezoelectric module is used for both biometric detection and haptic feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but functional precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfunctional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the piezoelectric module into distinct functional regions: a first region dedicated to biometric information detection and a second region dedicated to haptic feedback. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a unified module structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity without compromising functional precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to different parts of the piezoelectric module. The first region is optimized for ultrasonic wave generation for biometric detection, while the second region is optimized for mechanical vibration for haptic feedback. This localized functional differentiation ensures high precision for both functions within a single module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If ultrasonic frequency vibration is used for biometric detection, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by activating the piezoelectric module's first region to generate ultrasonic waves only when biometric detection is required. The ultrasonic vibration is applied in periodic pulses rather than continuously, allowing for high-resolution biometric detection when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This configuration enables the electronic device to both detect biometric information and provide haptic feedback effectively while improving durability by using a flexible piezoelectric module on a flexible display, enhancing user interaction and device reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric layer positioned between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, at least one portion of the piezoelectric layer positioned in the first region of the piezoelectric module vibrates in a first frequency band to emit the ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one portion of the piezoelectric layer positioned in the second region of the piezoelectric module vibrates in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240029469A1Electronic apparatus comprising piezoelectric module
Publication Date: 2024.01.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20240029469A1 patent drawing
  • US20240029469A1 patent drawing
  • US20240029469A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a housing; and a piezoelectric module including a first region that detects biometric information by using ultrasonic waves and a second region that provides haptic feedback, wherein the piezoelectric module includes: a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer facing each other; and a piezoelectric layer which is positioned between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, at least one portion of the piezoelectric layer positioned in the first region of the piezoelectric module may vibrate in a first frequency band to emit the ultrasonic waves, and at least one portion of the piezoelectric layer positioned in the second region of the piezoelectric module may vibrate in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency hand.