Haptic Button Assembly With Lateral Motion for Compact Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electromagnetic buttons in electronic devices require significant space and provide limited functionality, failing to effectively provide tactile feedback to users.
Innovation Solution
The development of haptic button assemblies that integrate a magnetic component and conduction loops to generate electromagnetic forces, causing lateral translation of an input member, thereby producing perceivable haptic outputs without significant physical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electromagnetic buttons are used, then button functionality is provided, but significant space is required and tactile feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single button assembly: input detection, haptic feedback generation, and output signal provision are integrated into one compact unit. The button assembly includes a button body, haptic actuator, and contactless communication components merged together, eliminating the need for separate mechanical feedback mechanisms and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms with contactless electromagnetic field-based haptic actuators. Instead of using complex mechanical springs and levers for tactile feedback, the system employs electromagnetic fields to generate haptic responses, significantly reducing the physical space needed while maintaining or enhancing tactile feedback quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional buttons are used, then input detection is achieved, but functionality is limited and space consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects user input through contactless electromagnetic fields, generates haptic feedback through integrated actuators, and provides output signals to the electronic device. This multi-functional design allows a single compact component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, enhancing versatility while minimizing space usage.
3Ease of operation
If haptic mechanisms are integrated into input devices, then tactile feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic actuator is directly integrated into the button assembly structure, sharing common components such as the magnetic field generator and support structures. This merging approach allows tactile feedback functionality to be added without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the haptic mechanism shares structural elements with the input detection system.
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 haptic button assemblies provide simulated tactile feedback, enhancing user interaction by mimicking traditional button presses while minimizing physical displacement, thus optimizing space and functionality in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a conduction loop having a conductive segment configured to conduct an electrical current through the magnetic flux in a direction that is transverse to a local flux direction of the magnetic flux... causing a lateral translation of the input member
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic component positioned in the enclosure and coupled to the input member. The magnetic component may be configured to generate a magnetic flux
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic button assembly may be used for detecting inputs and providing haptic outputs at an electronic device. The haptic outputs may be provided in response to detected inputs or in response to other conditions at the electronic device. The haptic button assembly may define an input surface along an exterior of the electronic device. Inputs may be provided to the input surface of the haptic button assembly. An input may include a touch input on or along the input surface and/or a force input directed substantially perpendicularly to the input surface. The haptic button assembly may provide a haptic output by moving an input member of the haptic button assembly laterally (e.g., substantially parallel to the input surface).