Haptic Key Structure With Stroke-Depth Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack effective mechanisms for providing haptic feedback that accurately convey the stroke depth and pressure sensitivity of keys, leading to a suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a haptic actuator and a haptic plate in the electronic device that generates vibrations at different stroke depths, providing distinct tactile feedback for each key stroke.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a haptic actuator and haptic plate are added to provide tactile feedback at different stroke depths, then user interaction quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic plate is integrated within the key structure, with the actuator positioned beneath the plate. The haptic plate serves dual purposes as both a structural element and a vibration transmission medium, nesting the haptic feedback mechanism within the existing key layout without requiring separate external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a vibration transmission surface, a structural support element, and a mechanism for providing differentiated tactile feedback at various stroke depths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If haptic feedback mechanism is implemented to convey stroke depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke depth detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time haptic feedback to the user based on the detected stroke depth. As the key is pressed to different depths, the actuator adjusts the vibration characteristics of the haptic plate, creating a feedback loop that confirms the stroke depth measurement to the user through tactile sensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a more integrated approach where the haptic actuator and plate work together to both measure and communicate stroke depth. The vibration patterns serve as both the measurement indicator and the user feedback mechanism, eliminating the need for separate display or notification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enhances user interaction by clearly conveying the depth of key strokes and pressure sensitivity, improving the overall tactile experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first haptic actuator configured to generate vibration when at least one of the plurality of keys is stroked, and a haptic plate configured to be vibrated by the first haptic actuator and configured to vibrate the key cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4411518B1Electronic device comprising key for supporting haptic reaction
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4411518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4411518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4411518B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device according to embodiments may comprise: a housing; a plurality of keys positioned in the housing and each including a key cap configured to move along a stroke direction during a stroke; a first haptic actuator configured to generate vibration during a stroke of at least one key among the plurality of keys; and a haptic plate configured to vibrate by the first haptic actuator and configured to vibrate a key cap of at least one stroked key among the plurality of keys.