Haptic Input Assembly Layout for Uniform Backlit Display Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input assemblies with active haptic feedback face challenges in achieving purely translational excitation and uniform backlighting, particularly in flat configurations, due to the conflicting requirements of actuator placement and display region positioning.
Innovation Solution
The input assembly incorporates a light guide positioned between the actuator and the input layer, allowing for uniform backlighting of the display region even when the actuator is centrally located, and uses a thermoplastic elastomer material for the light guide to provide mechanical and acoustic damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is arranged centrally to achieve purely translational excitation, then the haptic feedback quality is improved, but the backlighting uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input part is segmented into functionally independent regions: a central region housing the actuator for haptic feedback, and peripheral regions dedicated to backlighting. This spatial segmentation allows each region to optimize its function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between centralized actuator placement and uniform backlighting distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by utilizing the vertical dimension. The actuator is positioned in the central region while light guides are arranged in peripheral regions at different spatial levels, allowing both functions to coexist without spatial conflict and achieve optimal performance simultaneously.
2Illumination intensity
If the display region is positioned in the center of the input surface, then the display visibility is improved, but the actuator arrangement for translational excitation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The input part is divided into distinct functional zones: a central display region for visibility and peripheral regions for actuator placement. This segmentation allows the display to occupy the central position for optimal visibility while actuators are positioned in surrounding areas, eliminating the need for complex off-center actuator arrangements and maintaining simple translational excitation geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Peripheral structural elements serve as intermediaries between the central display region and the actuators. These intermediary components facilitate the transmission of actuator forces to the input part while preserving the central position of the display, thereby simplifying the overall actuator arrangement and maintaining pure translational excitation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the input part is designed with a flat configuration, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the compatibility with both translational excitation and uniform backlighting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flat input part is segmented into functional regions that can be independently optimized: a central region for translational actuator excitation and peripheral regions for uniform backlighting distribution. This regional segmentation maintains the overall flat configuration for manufacturing simplicity while accommodating the specific requirements of both translational excitation and uniform backlighting in their respective zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flat input part are assigned different local qualities and functions: the central region is optimized for translational excitation with appropriate structural characteristics, while peripheral regions are optimized for light guide integration and uniform backlighting. This local differentiation allows the flat configuration to satisfy multiple conflicting requirements simultaneously.
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 configuration enables uniform backlighting and efficient haptic feedback generation while maintaining a compact design, effectively addressing the constructional conflicts between translational excitation and backlighting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source and one light guide are provided for backlighting the display region with the light of the light source
Implementation Method 2
uses a thermoplastic elastomer material for the light guide to provide mechanical and acoustic damping
Implementation Method 3
uses a thermoplastic elastomer material for the light guide to provide mechanical and acoustic damping
Implementation Method 4
an actuator for exciting a movement of the input part along the direction of movement by means of an electric control signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an input assembly including: a support, an input part, and at least one light source, wherein the input part has at least one input layer having an input surface intended to be touched by an operator, and a light guide for guiding light of the light source towards the display region for backlighting the latter, and wherein the light guide is disposed on the side of the input part facing away from the input surface, a touch-detection device for detecting a touch on the input surface by the operator and/or an actuation detection device for detecting an actuation of the input part by the operator, and an electromagnetic actuator for exciting a movement of the input part along the direction of movement by means of an electric control signal in order to generate a haptic feedback, wherein the actuator includes an electromagnet.