Force-Sensing Haptic Button With Constrained Shuttle Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buttons in electronic devices lack effective force sensing and haptic output capabilities, particularly in context-sensitive applications where varied inputs are required based on active contexts, such as volume control on smartphones or tablets.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine with a force sensor that constrains the movement of a shuttle or rotor, allowing for precise force detection and haptic feedback by applying predetermined haptic actuation waveforms based on detected forces, enabling context-dependent haptic responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a button is designed to provide force sensing and haptic output capabilities, then the functionality and user interaction quality are improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration of force sensor and haptic engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force sensor and haptic engine into a single integrated button assembly, where the force sensor detects user input and the haptic engine provides feedback through a shared mechanical structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly serves multiple functions: it detects force input, generates haptic feedback, and can simulate multiple press locations. The same mechanical components perform both sensing and actuation roles, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Power
If a permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine is used, then the force density and power efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a permanent magnet biased electromagnetic system that operates by changing magnetic field parameters rather than relying on complex mechanical linkages. This approach achieves high force density through electromagnetic field control, and the parameter-based control simplifies manufacturing compared to precision mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic haptic engine replaces traditional mechanical spring-loaded or cam-based haptic mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical parts while achieving superior force density and more precise control over haptic feedback characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If a constraint is used to constrain closure of the gap between stator and shuttle, then the force sensing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the shuttle and stator, precisely controlling the gap closure while transmitting force information to the sensor. This intermediary component enables accurate force measurement without requiring direct contact between the moving and stationary parts, simplifying the sensing mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the button is designed to simulate multiple press locations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simulates multiple press locations by utilizing different dimensions of the same button structure, such as varying press depth, duration, or direction, rather than requiring physically separate buttons for each location. This dimensional differentiation allows a single button to provide location-specific functionality without multiplying the physical component count.
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 provides enhanced force sensing and haptic output capabilities, allowing for customizable and context-sensitive interactions, with improved power efficiency and force density, enabling buttons to simulate multiple press locations and provide distinct haptic feedbacks.
Implementation Method 1
permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine
Implementation Method 2
permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine
Implementation Method 3
force sensor... configured to sense a force applied to the module
Data Source
AI summary
A module includes a permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine, a constraint, and a force sensor. The force sensor includes a stator and a shuttle. The constraint is coupled to the stator and the shuttle. The force sensor is at least partially attached to the permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine and configured to sense a force applied to the module. The constraint is configured to constrain closure of a gap between the stator and the shuttle and bias the shuttle toward a rest position in which the shuttle is separated from the stator by the gap.