Haptic Button Feedback with Controlled Travel and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices often struggle to determine if buttons have been pressed deeply enough to activate their functions due to lack of tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback system comprising a sensing unit, a haptic feedback module, and a circuit assembly that includes a movable part driven by a mechanism to provide tactile feedback when a user interacts with the device, utilizing components like capacitive fingerprint sensors, piezo switches, and shape memory alloys to generate vibrations and contact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button is designed without haptic feedback mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot determine whether the button has been pressed deeply enough to activate its function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration motor that generates vibratory motion to provide haptic feedback when a button is pressed. The vibration motor is driven by a control circuit that receives signals from a sensing unit, creating mechanical vibrations that the user can feel through the button structure, thereby confirming proper button activation without increasing overall device complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing unit detects button press depth and triggers the vibration motor to provide tactile feedback. This closed-loop feedback system allows the user to receive immediate haptic confirmation that the button has been pressed sufficiently, resolving the information asymmetry between user action and system response.
2Reliability
If a haptic feedback mechanism is added to provide tactile feedback, then the user can determine button press depth, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the button assembly: the button serves as both a mechanical input device and a haptic feedback interface. The vibration motor is shared across multiple buttons, and the sensing unit can detect various types of input (touch, pressure, fingerprint). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the button structure with the haptic feedback mechanism by integrating the vibration motor directly into the button assembly and using the same structural components for both mechanical input and tactile feedback delivery. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the movable part is allowed to move freely to provide haptic feedback, then the tactile feedback is effective, but structural damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stopper mechanism that limits the movement range of the movable part before structural damage can occur. The stopper acts as a preventive measure, cushioning against excessive displacement by providing a mechanical stop that prevents the movable part from traveling beyond safe limits, thereby protecting the overall structure while still allowing sufficient movement for effective haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable part that can dynamically adjust its position within controlled limits. The movable part is designed to move freely within a safe range to provide effective haptic feedback, but its movement is constrained by the stopper mechanism that activates only when approaching dangerous displacement limits. This dynamic design allows maximum operational freedom while preventing structural damage.
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
Enhances user interaction by providing clear tactile feedback, ensuring buttons are pressed correctly and preventing structural damage through precise movement control and stopper mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the driving mechanism has a shape memory alloy element that is electrically connected to the circuit assembly, and the movable part is movably connected to the fixed part via the shape memory alloy element
Implementation Method 2
the driving mechanism has a piezoelectric element that is electrically connected to circuit assembly, and the movable part is movably connected to the fixed part via the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 3
the sensing unit has a pressure sensor, and when the pressure sensor detects that the pressure exerted by the object exceeds a threshold
Implementation Method 4
the fingerprint sensor is a capacitive fingerprint sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic feedback system is provided, including a sensing unit, a haptic feedback module, and a circuit assembly. The sensing unit is configured to detect contact with an object. The haptic feedback module is configured to transfer the contact force to the sensing unit. The circuit assembly is electrically connected to the sensing unit and the haptic feedback module.