Haptic Actuator Surface Layout for Localized Vibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control elements with oscillating actuating parts for haptic feedback suffer from uncontrolled vibration excitation that spreads beyond the actuation surface, causing unwanted noise and making it difficult for operators to clearly associate feedback with specific actuation areas, especially on extensive surfaces or multiple actuation surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A control element design featuring an island-shaped actuation surface surrounded by a more flexible insulating section, with a dynamically varying stiffness and a band-limited excitation signal, ensures that haptic feedback is localized to the actuation area and damped outside, minimizing sound transmission and enhancing operator feedback localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuator is provided to generate haptic feedback on the actuating surface, then haptic confirmation is improved, but vibration excitation spreads through the actuating part causing unwanted noise and reducing localization clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating part is segmented into a rigid actuating section and a flexible insulating section. This segmentation allows the vibration to be confined to the rigid section while the flexible section acts as an isolator, preventing noise propagation to the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the actuating part have different mechanical properties: the actuating section is rigid for effective haptic feedback, while the insulating section is flexible for vibration isolation. This local differentiation of material properties solves the contradiction between feedback effectiveness and noise reduction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actuating part is made rigid for precise actuation, then actuation precision is improved, but vibration spreads more easily through the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating part is divided into two functional segments: a rigid actuating section for precise actuation and a flexible insulating section for vibration isolation. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its mechanical properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible insulating section acts as an intermediary between the rigid actuating section and the support structure. It mediates the vibration transmission, allowing precise actuation while preventing structure-borne sound.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive surfaces or multiple actuation surfaces are provided, then functionality is improved, but haptic orientation becomes difficult for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuation surface is segmented from others by flexible insulating sections, creating acoustically isolated zones. This allows multiple actuation surfaces to function independently with localized haptic feedback, enabling operators to easily orient themselves on extensive surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuating section has localized rigid-f flexible property transitions that confine vibration to specific areas. This local differentiation allows operators to distinguish between different actuation zones through haptic feedback, improving orientation on extensive surfaces.
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, improving operator orientation and reducing unwanted noise, while maintaining a structurally simple and weight-saving design.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator (4), from the operator's perspective, below the actuating section (6) or on its side facing away from the operator, which actuator (4), in the event of positive detection of an actuation or contact, is supplied with an electrical excitation signal I(t) by the detection means (8, 9) to excite a vibration of the actuating section (6) for haptic feedback
Implementation Method 2
the dynamic stiffness, which is understood as the local quotient of the local dynamic elastic modulus and the local thickness of the actuating part, varies along a maximum 1 cm long measuring section leading from the actuating section into or through the insulating section
Implementation Method 3
the actuating part is usually mounted on a support in an elastically oscillating manner in order to enable a displacement for the actuation but also to excite vibration of the actuating part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating element (1) comprising: a carrier (2); an actuating part (3) supported on the carrier, which forms a viewing surface (10) facing an operator and which forms at least one island-shaped actuating surface (11) within the viewing surface (10), wherein the actuating surface (11) is formed by a cantilevered actuating section (6) of the actuating part (2); and the actuating section (6) is surrounded by a flexible insulating section (5) of the actuating part (3), so that the actuating section (6) is mounted to be oscillating relative to the carrier (2); detection means (8, 9) for detecting contact with the actuating surface and/or actuation of the actuating part (3);an actuator (4) located on the actuating section (6) of the actuating part (3) on the side facing away from the operator, which, in the event of positive detection of an actuation or touch by the detection means (8, 9), is supplied with an electrical excitation signal (I(t)) to excite a vibration of the actuating section (6) for haptic feedback; wherein, along a measuring section (s) of a maximum length of 1 cm lying on the visible surface, the dynamic stiffness of the actuating part (2) varies such that a first transfer function (U1) determined at an beginning (x1) of the measuring section (s) differs significantly for a continuous frequency range (XF) between 30 Hz and 1,000 Hz from a second transfer function (U2) determined at an end (x2) of the measuring section (2) for the same frequency range.