Haptic Touch Sensor Assembly With Bracket Isolation for Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices with touch sensors and haptic devices face performance variations due to manufacturing variations and tolerance issues, leading to degraded touch sensor performance when integrating haptic devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a haptic sensor assembly that includes a sensor subassembly with a flexible substrate for force sensing and a haptic subassembly with haptic devices, supported by a bracket assembly, which minimizes interference and maintains accurate force sensing by accounting for manufacturing variations and tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If haptic devices are integrated into the input device, then haptic feedback functionality is improved, but touch sensor performance degrades due to manufacturing variations and tolerance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is divided into separate subassemblies: a sensor subassembly containing the touch sensor and flexible substrate, and a haptic subassembly containing the haptic devices. This segmentation allows each subassembly to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing the impact of manufacturing variations on the overall system performance and enabling better control of tolerance accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
A bracket assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor subassembly and haptic subassembly. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket portion that interfaces with the sensor subassembly and a second bracket portion that supports the haptic devices. This intermediary structure provides mechanical isolation and electrical reference, minimizing interference between the touch sensor and haptic devices while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptic devices are integrated into the input device, then haptic feedback functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the input device into distinct sensor and haptic subassemblies, each with its own dedicated components and mounting structures, the manufacturing process becomes more manageable. Each subassembly can be produced using optimized processes for its specific requirements, and the modular architecture simplifies assembly and quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the haptic devices, establishes electrical reference for the touch sensor, and acts as a structural interface between the two subassemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic devices are integrated into the input device, then haptic feedback functionality is improved, but force sensing accuracy degrades due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly acts as an intermediary that electrically and mechanically isolates the haptic devices from the touch sensor. The first bracket portion is disposed below the touch sensor devices and is configured to be coupled to a reference voltage, providing a stable electrical reference that minimizes interference with the force sensing measurements while still allowing the haptic devices to function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is positioned specifically below the touch sensor devices, creating a localized reference region that provides electrical stability precisely where needed for accurate force sensing, while the haptic devices are supported by the second bracket portion in a separate region where haptic feedback is delivered.
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 provides reliable touch sensing and effective haptic feedback without significantly degrading the performance of the touch sensor, ensuring accurate force sensing and haptic feedback across the sensing surface.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible substrate configured to deform in response to the pressure from the input object
Implementation Method 2
one or more touch sensor devices configured to provide force sensing responsive to pressure from an input object
Implementation Method 3
one or more haptic devices configured to provide haptic feedback in response to detecting the input object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for an input device with a haptic sensor assembly are provided. The haptic sensor assembly includes a sensor subassembly with one or more touch sensor devices configured to provide force sensing responsive to pressure from an input object. The sensor subassembly also includes a flexible substrate configured to deform in response to the pressure from the input object. The haptic sensor assembly further includes a haptic subassembly with one or more haptic devices configured to provide haptic feedback in response to detecting the input object. The haptic subassembly also includes a bracket assembly comprising a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion. The one or more haptic devices are supported by the second bracket portion of the bracket assembly. The first bracket portion of the bracket assembly is disposed below the one or more touch sensor devices and configured to be coupled to a reference voltage.