Haptic Engine Electromagnetic Actuator Input Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in incorporating all necessary components, such as haptic engines, to provide various functionalities in a small form factor, making it difficult to deliver effective haptic feedback to users.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a haptic engine within the electronic device, specifically an electromagnetic actuator with a magnet assembly and a coil assembly, which detects input actions and produces haptic outputs based on these detections, allowing for both input sensing and haptic feedback generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a haptic engine is integrated into a portable electronic device, then haptic feedback functionality is provided, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic engine with the existing input device structure, integrating the electromagnetic actuator into the input button assembly. This merging allows the haptic feedback function to be added without requiring a completely separate component, thereby reducing the overall volume increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic engine components are nested within the existing input device housing and structure. The electromagnetic actuator is positioned within the input button assembly, utilizing the available space efficiently and minimizing the external dimensions of the device.
2Volume of moving object
If the haptic engine is made more compact, then device size is reduced, but haptic feedback effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the haptic feedback mechanism at the specific location where the input device is positioned. By localizing the electromagnetic actuator to this specific area, the design achieves effective haptic feedback at the user interaction point without requiring the entire device to be larger.
Solution Approach 2:
The input button is designed with a curved or rounded configuration that allows the haptic engine to utilize the available space more effectively. The curved geometry enables better integration of the electromagnetic actuator while maintaining sufficient stroke and force for effective haptic feedback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are included in the electronic device, then functionality is enhanced, but the form factor becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the user input interface and as the housing for the haptic engine. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain a compact form factor while incorporating additional haptic feedback capabilities without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each component.
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 the electronic device to provide perceivable haptic feedback to users, indicating input actions have been registered, while also optimizing space usage by integrating the haptic engine within the device.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic engine detects the input action based on a first movement between the magnet assembly and the coil assembly with respect to each other, the first movement inducing an input device signal in the coil assembly
Implementation Method 2
The haptic output signal produces a second movement between the magnet assembly and the coil assembly with respect to each other to produce a haptic output that is applied or transferred to the input surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user based on an input action associated with an input device. The electronic device includes a haptic engine operably connected to a processing device. The haptic engine includes an electromagnetic actuator that detects an input action associated with the input device. The electromagnetic actuator also produces a haptic output in response to the detection of the input action.