Haptic Feedback Touch Device Using Electrostatic and Mechanical Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch-sensitive devices with haptic feedback in motor vehicles face challenges such as increased size due to mechanical actuators and difficulty in operating without visual contact, which can distract drivers and have other unaddressed disadvantages.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive device with a translucent cover element and a layer sequence that includes a touch-sensitive arrangement, a first actuator for haptically detectable movement, and a second actuator for generating electrostatic signals, allowing for haptic feedback without the need for mechanical actuators underneath the surface, thereby reducing size and enabling operation without visual contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical actuators are arranged underneath the upper side of the touch-sensitive device to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback is achieved, but the height of the device increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedbackVSAvoidheight of device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical actuator placement (underneath the touch surface) to lateral actuator placement (at the side of the layer sequence). This dimensional change allows haptic feedback to be generated without increasing the device height, as actuators are positioned in a different spatial dimension (side vs. bottom).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electrostatic actuators that generate haptic feedback through electrostatic forces rather than traditional mechanical actuation. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrostatic fields enables haptic feedback without requiring bulky mechanical components underneath the touch surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional touch-sensitive devices are used in motor vehicles, then touch control is enabled, but operation without visual contact is difficult leading to driver distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch controlVSAvoiddriver safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements haptic feedback that provides tactile confirmation to users during touch operations. This feedback mechanism enables drivers to confirm their inputs through touch sensation rather than visual confirmation, allowing operation without visual contact and reducing driver distraction while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Length of stationary object

If the touch-sensitive device is made thinner to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but space for mechanical actuators is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidactuator integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators with electrostatic actuators that can be integrated into the side of the layer sequence. This substitution enables thin device design because electrostatic actuators require minimal space compared to mechanical actuators, eliminating the trade-off between thickness and actuator accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effective haptic feedback, allowing users to operate touch-sensitive devices without visual contact, minimizing driver distraction and reducing the size of electronic apparatuses, while improving usability and safety in motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The first actuator can be designed to bring about the haptically detectable movement of the cover element, for example, as a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape Memory Alloy actuation: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The first actuator can be designed to bring about the haptically detectable movement of the cover element, for example, as a piezoelectric actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric actuation: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The electrostatic signals generated by the second actuator can correspond to an electrostatic force between the upper side of the cover element and a user who touches the upper side of the cover element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10222861B2Touch-sensitive device with haptic feedback

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 E SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A touch-sensitive device with haptic feedback is described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a layer sequence which has a translucent cover element with an upper side and a touch-sensitive arrangement which is arranged on a side of the cover element lying opposite the upper side and is designed to detect contact with the upper side of the cover element. In the embodiment, the device comprises at least one first actuator which is designed to transmit a movement impulse to the layer sequence in such a way that a haptically detectable movement of the cover element is brought about, and a second actuator which is designed to generate electrostatic signals which can be detected haptically at the cover element.