Haptic Buckling Mechanism with Preloaded Spring for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices with haptic functionality face delays between detecting user input and executing physical responses due to the need for multiple steps and time-consuming preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
An input device incorporating a buckling element coupled with a spring element and a loading actuator, where the processing system determines positional and force information to preload the spring element, allowing for rapid haptic event generation through a buckling actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional haptic mechanisms are used, then haptic functionality is provided, but response time is delayed due to multiple preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to a buckling threshold state before user input is detected. This preliminary action stores potential energy in the spring element, so that when a user input is detected, the haptic feedback can be generated immediately by releasing the stored energy, eliminating the need for time-consuming preparation steps during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the haptic feedback generation into two independent components: a loading actuator that pre-loads the spring element, and a buckling actuator that triggers the haptic event. By extracting and separating these functions, the system can prepare the haptic mechanism in advance without interfering with the rapid response capability when user input is detected.
2Speed
If multiple steps are used to prepare and execute haptic response, then controlled haptic feedback is achieved, but execution speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading actuator performs preliminary action by loading the spring element to a predetermined buckling threshold state before user input occurs. This ensures that when the buckling actuator is triggered, the haptic feedback is executed at maximum speed without compromising control reliability, as the spring element is already positioned at the optimal state for rapid energy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect user input and provide feedback to the control logic. This feedback mechanism ensures that the haptic response is reliably triggered only when appropriate, while the pre-loaded spring element ensures rapid execution. The feedback loop maintains control reliability without adding execution delay.
3Loss of time
If energy is stored in advance in the spring element, then response latency is reduced, but energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading actuator performs preliminary action by loading the spring element to a predetermined buckling threshold state before user input occurs. This ensures that when the buckling actuator is triggered, the haptic feedback is executed at maximum speed without compromising control reliability, as the spring element is already positioned at the optimal state for rapid energy release.
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 solution enables low-latency haptic actuation by preloading energy in the spring element, reducing the time between input detection and response execution, thereby enhancing user interaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element coupled to a buckling element. The spring element applies a compression force to the buckling elements based on the energy in the spring element
Implementation Method 2
a buckling element coupled to a spring element, and a loading actuator coupled to the spring element. The loading actuator stores energy in the spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining, using a first set of resulting signals from various proximity sensor electrodes, positional information regarding a location of an input object in a sensing region. The method may include obtaining, using a second set of resulting signals from various force sensor electrodes, force information regarding an input force that is applied to an input surface. The method may include loading, using a loading actuator and in response to the positional information or the force information, energy in a spring element coupled to a buckling element. The spring element may apply a compression force to the buckling element based on the energy in the spring element. The method may include generating, using a buckling actuator and in response to the positional information or the force information, a haptic event by applying a force to the buckling element to trigger the haptic event.