Haptic Operating Member With Vibration-Isolated Actuation Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating members with vibration-capable actuation parts for generating active haptic feedback suffer from uncontrolled vibration propagation, leading to structure-borne noise and unwanted noise generation outside the actuation surface.
Innovation Solution
The operating member incorporates a cantilevered actuation portion surrounded by a more flexible insulation portion, with varying dynamic rigidity along a measurement section. This configuration limits haptic feedback to the actuation surface by damping vibration transfer outside the actuation portion, using an actuator excited by an electrical signal to induce vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuator is provided to generate forced vibration for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback is provided to confirm actuation, but the generated vibration propagates across the actuation part as structure-borne noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated structure where the actuation portion has specific vibration characteristics while the insulation portion has different properties. The insulation portion is designed with lower dynamic rigidity to locally absorb and dampen vibrations, creating a gradient from the actuation surface outward. This localized property variation ensures haptic feedback remains concentrated at the actuation surface without propagating as structure-borne noise across the entire actuation part.
2Area of stationary object
If the actuation surface constitutes only a fraction of the visible surface, then extensive surfaces are covered, but haptic feedback cannot be uniquely associated with the respective actuation surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating distinct local zones with different vibration characteristics. The actuation portion is designed to vibrate with specific amplitude and frequency characteristics, while the surrounding insulation portion has deliberately reduced dynamic rigidity to minimize vibration transmission. This creates a unique haptic signature at each actuation surface location, allowing operators to identify and orient themselves on extensive surfaces through tactile feedback even when actuation surfaces are small fractions of the total visible area.
3Ease of operation
If the actuation part is supported to enable vibration, then active haptic feedback can be generated, but unwanted noise is generated in the fastening structure outside the operating member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the insulation portion as an intermediary element between the actuation portion and the carrier structure. This intermediate layer acts as a vibration decoupling mechanism, allowing the actuation part to vibrate freely for haptic feedback while the insulation portion absorbs and dampens vibration energy before it reaches the carrier and fastening structure. This intermediary structure effectively blocks the transmission path for structure-borne noise to the external fastening structure.
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 solution effectively limits haptic feedback to the actuation surface, reducing structure-borne noise and minimizing noise transfer outside the actuation area, thereby enhancing operator haptic orientation and reducing unwanted noise.
Implementation Method 1
a so-called active haptic feedback, for haptically confirming or acknowledging the touch or actuation that has occurred prior, an actuator is provided to which an electrical control signal can be applied. In general, there is the problem that the generated excitation of vibrations is not limited to the actuation surface
Implementation Method 2
the actuation portion is surrounded by an insulation portion of the actuation part, which is more flexible compared to the actuation portion, so that the actuation portion is supported so as to be capable of vibrating relative to the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an operating member including a carrier; an actuation part; and an actuation portion surrounded by a flexible insulation portion, wherein the actuation portion can vibrate relative to the carrier; detection means detecting a touch on the actuation surface and/or an actuation of the actuation part; an actuator fixed on the actuation portion of the actuation part, wherein an electrical excitation signal is applied by the detection means during a positive detection of an actuation or touch; wherein a dynamic rigidity of the actuation part determined along a measurement section with a maximum length of 1 cm, located on the visible surface, varies such that a first transfer function determined at a beginning of the measurement section, for a continuous frequency range between 30 and 1,000 Hz, differs from a second transfer function determined at an end of the measurement section for the same frequency range.