Electromagnetic Haptic Keyboard for Dirt-Resistant Key Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard technologies lack efficient mechanisms for providing key-level haptic feedback without mechanical components, leading to increased complexity, cost, and susceptibility to dirt or particulate interference.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard system with a substrate containing multi-layer inductors and force-sensitive layers that provide haptic feedback through magnetic coupling between inductors and magnetic elements within each key, eliminating mechanical actuation and allowing for independent, non-mechanical key oscillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components are used for haptic feedback, then tactile response is achieved, but device complexity and susceptibility to dirt increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical haptic feedback components with an electromagnetic system consisting of inductors and magnetic elements. When current flows through the inductor, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic element to produce haptic feedback without any mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating susceptibility to dirt and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the electrical signal and the haptic feedback. The inductor generates a magnetic field that mediates the interaction to produce tactile response, avoiding direct mechanical contact and reducing complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional haptic mechanisms are used, then key feedback is provided, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical actuation mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic system using inductors and magnetic elements, reducing both manufacturing cost and device complexity while maintaining haptic feedback functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the haptic actuator and an integral part of the keyboard's electrical circuitry, eliminating the need for separate mechanical haptic components and reducing overall system complexity and cost
3Weight of moving object
If mechanical components are used for key actuation, then haptic feedback is achieved, but device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical actuation components with lightweight electromagnetic elements (inductors and magnetic elements), significantly reducing device weight while eliminating complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical components to planar, two-dimensional electromagnetic structures that can be integrated into the keyboard substrate, reducing device thickness and enabling a flatter design
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
Enables haptic feedback at each key without moving parts, reducing complexity, cost, and susceptibility to dirt, while maintaining durability and enabling a thinner, lighter design.
Implementation Method 1
A keyboard system with a substrate containing multi-layer inductors and force-sensitive layers that provide haptic feedback through magnetic coupling between inductors and magnetic elements within each key
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.