Haptic Feedback Touch Function Row for Portable Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable information handling systems face inefficiencies in using function keys due to the small size of portable housings, leading to hunting and pecking for correct keys, which breaks user workflow and introduces inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A touch function row is integrated between the mechanical keyboard and display, using capacitive touch sensors to detect inputs and present function keys on-screen, allowing for interactive selection and configuration, including gestures, to maintain user focus on the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical function keys are used in portable information handling systems, then users can access function inputs, but the small size of portable housings requires reduced key size and vertical travel, leading to hunting and pecking for correct keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of key inputVSAvoidkey size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical function keys with a touch-sensitive surface that detects finger proximity and touch inputs. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical key structures, allowing the function key interface to be integrated into the display surface without consuming additional space, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and key size in portable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If function keys are made smaller to fit portable housings, then the device footprint is reduced, but users must look at the keyboard to find correct keys, breaking workflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidworkflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces visual indicators displayed on the screen that correspond to the touch-sensitive function key locations. These indicators serve as an intermediary between the physical touch input and the function being activated, allowing users to see which function will be triggered without looking down at the keyboard, thereby maintaining workflow efficiency while keeping the device footprint small.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional function keys are used, then function inputs can be accessed, but users must stop viewing the display to locate and press correct keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction key capabilityVSAvoidtime to locate keys

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function key interface with the display surface by implementing touch-sensitive capabilities directly in the display assembly. This integration allows the function keys to be located at the top edge of the display, enabling users to access function inputs while maintaining their visual focus on the display content, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with locating traditional separate function keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If mechanical keys with vertical travel are used, then positive feedback is provided to users, but the amount of vertical travel must be reduced in portable housings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositive feedbackVSAvoidvertical travel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical keys with vertical travel that provide positive feedback through haptic actuators embedded in the touch-sensitive surface. These haptic elements simulate the tactile sensation of key press without requiring actual mechanical movement, thereby maintaining ease of operation with positive feedback while eliminating the need for vertical travel space in portable housings.

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

This solution enhances usability by allowing users to interact with function keys without looking at the keyboard, improving efficiency through interactive and configurable touch inputs that maintain workflow convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric or other vibration source below the key value on the display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12189860B1Low profile information handling system haptic device

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A portable information handling system includes a touch function row between a keyboard and a display that accepts touches or proximity detection at plural locations to initiate an on-screen-display user interface for a selected of plural functions based upon a touch location. Haptic feedback to touch function row inputs is provided by a haptic device coupled directly to a bottom surface of the touch function row, such as with an adhesive. The haptic device couples to a housing cover portion with a brace that integrates a resilient member, such as a spring, to dampen vibration from a haptic vibration source to the housing cover portion.