Haptic Keyboard Inductor Layout for Seamless Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard systems lack efficient integration of haptic feedback mechanisms, leading to increased complexity, weight, and cost due to the use of mechanical components and separate haptic subsystems, which also limit the ability to provide a seamless and durable surface for key presses.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard system incorporating a substrate with multi-layer inductors and a force-sensitive layer, where each key includes a magnetic element that oscillates in response to polarization of the inductor, providing haptic feedback without moving parts, thus reducing component count and enabling a continuous keyboard surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components and separate haptic subsystems are used, then haptic feedback function is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic feedback mechanism directly into the keyboard substrate by integrating inductors and magnetic elements at each key location, eliminating the need for separate haptic subsystems and mechanical components. This merging approach achieves haptic feedback functionality while reducing overall device complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms with an electromagnetic system using inductors and magnetic elements. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical wear while providing reliable haptic feedback, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If mechanical components are used for haptic feedback, then tactile feedback is provided, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical haptic components with lightweight electromagnetic elements (inductors and magnetic elements) integrated into the substrate. This substitution maintains tactile feedback functionality while significantly reducing the weight of moving parts in the keyboard system.
3Reliability
If separate haptic subsystems are used, then haptic feedback is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic feedback functionality directly into the keyboard substrate through integration of inductors and magnetic elements at key locations. This approach eliminates the need for separate haptic subsystems, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining haptic feedback reliability.
4Reliability
If mechanical components are used, then haptic feedback mechanism is provided, but surface continuity and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical components with electromagnetic elements integrated into the substrate, eliminating moving parts that would compromise surface continuity. This substitution provides a seamless, durable surface while maintaining haptic feedback functionality through the electromagnetic interaction between inductors and magnetic elements.
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 independently operable haptic feedback at each key, reducing complexity and weight while maintaining durability and allowing for a nearly continuous surface, enhancing user experience with tactile feedback similar to mechanical keys.
Implementation Method 1
Each key includes a magnetic element configured to magnetically couple to the multi-layer inductor and oscillate the key responsive to polarization of the multi-layer inductor
Implementation Method 2
The force-sensitive layer is arranged over the substrate and exhibits bulk change in local resistance as a function of applied force
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a keyboard system includes: a substrate including an array of inductors; a tactile layer arranged over the substrate defining an array of key locations over the array of inductors; an array of magnetic elements, each arranged within the tactile layer at a key location configured to inductively couple to an adjacent inductor and configured to move relative to the adjacent inductor responsive to application of a force on the tactile layer at the key location; and a controller configured to read electrical values from the inductors. In response to detecting a change in electrical value at a first inductor, the controller also configured to: register a first keystroke of a first key type associated with a first key location defined over the first inductor; and drive an oscillating voltage across the first inductor to oscillate the tactile layer over the substrate during a haptic feedback cycle.