Haptic Interface Module With Nested Inductor-Magnet Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human-computer interface systems face challenges in achieving a thin, lightweight design while maintaining effective haptic feedback performance, often sacrificing material volume and weight for adequate oscillation amplitude and frequency control.

Innovation Solution

A user interface module incorporating a multi-layer inductor and magnet assembly suspended by elastic spacers, where the magnet assembly is positioned within an aperture defined by a baseplate, allowing for reduced stack height and weight without compromising haptic feedback performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device uses traditional haptic feedback structures, then adequate oscillation amplitude and frequency control is achieved, but the device weight and material volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback performanceVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic feedback structures with an electromagnetic system consisting of an inductor and magnet assembly. The inductor generates magnetic fields that interact with the magnet assembly to produce haptic feedback forces, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining oscillation amplitude and frequency control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the electromagnetic parameters of the inductor and magnet assembly to achieve the desired haptic feedback performance. By adjusting parameters such as inductance, magnetic field strength, and oscillation frequency, the system achieves adequate haptic feedback with significantly reduced material volume and weight compared to traditional mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the device uses traditional haptic feedback structures, then adequate oscillation amplitude and frequency control is achieved, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback performanceVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic haptic feedback system occupies significantly less volume than traditional mechanical structures. The inductor and magnet assembly can be integrated into a compact configuration, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the necessary oscillation amplitude and frequency control for effective haptic feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet assembly is positioned within an aperture defined by a baseplate, and the inductor is incorporated into the undersurface, creating a nested configuration. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall device volume while maintaining adequate haptic feedback performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the magnet assembly is positioned close to the inductor, then haptic feedback performance is improved, but the stack height increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback performanceVSAvoidstack height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the gap distance between the magnet assembly and inductor to achieve the desired haptic feedback performance with minimal stack height. By carefully controlling the magnetic field strength and gap distance, the system maintains effective magnetic coupling while minimizing the vertical space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet assembly is positioned within an aperture defined by a baseplate, creating a horizontal arrangement that separates the magnetic components laterally rather than vertically. This dimensional reconfiguration allows for close magnetic coupling while maintaining a compact stack height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system achieves reduced material volume and weight within electronic devices while maintaining effective haptic feedback through oscillating magnetic coupling and elastic deformation, enhancing user interface performance.

Implementation Method 1

drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the set of magnetic elements to deflect the set of spacer elements between the substrate and the magnet tray and to oscillate the substrate and the touch sensor surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a set of spacer elements interposed between the set of magnetic elements and the underside; and a magnet tray arranged opposite the set of spacer elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260056616A1Human-computer interface system

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 CIRQUE CORP

AI summary

A user interface module may include a stack of layers; a baseplate connected to an undersurface of the stack of layer, where the baseplate extends about a periphery of the stack of layers; the baseplate defining an inner edge of an aperture; an inductor incorporated into the undersurface is surrounded by the inner edge of the aperture; and a magnet assembly is attached to the undersurface and overlaps with the inductor.