Haptic Button Using Electromagnetic Coil and Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic button assemblies in electronic devices face challenges with miniaturization and wear due to the use of mechanical parts, which are difficult to manufacture and assemble, and may not provide effective tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a haptic button system using a conductive coil and magnet configuration, where the coil is positioned within a magnetic field to produce haptic outputs by moving an input member along a translation direction perpendicular to the input surface, and a compliant member for deformation and sealing, allowing for both input sensing and haptic output production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical parts are used in haptic button assemblies, then tactile feedback can be provided, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dome switches with an electromagnetic system consisting of a conductive coil and magnet. The coil generates electromagnetic force when electric current passes through it, moving the input member to provide tactile feedback without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear and simplifying the mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from mechanical contact-based feedback to electromagnetic field-based feedback. By controlling the current parameters in the conductive coil, the system achieves adjustable haptic outputs without the mechanical complexity of traditional switches.
2Reliability
If mechanical parts are used in haptic button assemblies, then tactile feedback can be provided, but the parts may wear out over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact between moving parts by using electromagnetic interaction. The conductive coil generates electromagnetic force that acts on the input member without physical contact, preventing wear and extending the operational lifespan of the haptic button assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conductive coil and magnet configuration is used, then manufacturing and assembly is simplified, but the device requires electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both the haptic actuator (generating tactile feedback through electromagnetic force) and the input detection sensor (detecting user input through electromagnetic interaction). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
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 simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of haptic buttons, provides effective tactile feedback, and enables the detection of inputs through electrical signals induced in the coil, offering a durable and efficient haptic output mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive coil configured to interact with the magnetic field to move the input member relative to the internal structure to produce the haptic output
Implementation Method 2
the conductive coil to move within the magnetic field to induce an electrical signal in the conductive coil
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch includes a housing member defining a hole along a side surface of the housing member, and a haptic button. The haptic button may include an input member positioned at least partially within the hole and defining an input surface, a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field, and a conductive coil coupled to the input member and positioned at least partially within the magnetic field. The electronic watch may further include a processing unit configured to cause an electrical current to pass through the conductive coil, thereby moving the input member along a translation direction perpendicular to the input surface to produce a haptic output. The conductive coil may be fixed to an interior surface of the input member.