Integrated Haptic Touch Switch Assembly With PCB-Mounted Voice Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive touchscreen technologies and mechanical switches pose safety concerns due to driver distraction, and existing haptic feedback systems are costly and inefficient in terms of space usage, as they require separate components and manual wiring/soldering.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a voice-coil haptic exciter into a touch switch assembly using the existing PCB and touch plate as a suspension, where the magnet is directly coupled to the touch plate and the coil is soldered to the PCB, eliminating the need for connectors and manual wiring, and incorporating force sensors and a processor for enhanced feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voice-coil haptic exciters are used with separate components and manual wiring, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic exciter components (coil, magnet, suspension) directly into the switch assembly structure. The PCB serves as both the circuit board and the suspension structure for the haptic exciter, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and manual wiring. The coil is soldered directly to the PCB, and the magnet is attached directly to the touch plate, integrating multiple functions into unified components.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB performs multiple functions: it serves as the circuit board for electrical connections, the suspension structure for the haptic exciter, and the mounting surface for the coil. The touch plate serves as both the user interface element and the mounting surface for the magnet. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies assembly.
2Reliability
If conventional haptic exciters with separate components are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but space usage and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic exciter components into the existing switch assembly structure. The coil is mounted directly on the PCB, the magnet is attached to the touch plate, and the PCB itself serves as the suspension structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate housings, mounting brackets, and connectors, significantly reducing the overall space required for the haptic feedback system.
3Reliability
If conventional haptic exciters with connectors and manual wiring are used, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but manufacturing time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coil directly onto the PCB using standard soldering processes, eliminating the need for separate connectors and manual wiring operations. The magnet is attached directly to the touch plate, and the PCB serves as the suspension structure. This integration allows the haptic exciter to be assembled using standard automated manufacturing processes, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing assembly time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive touchscreen technology is used, then control flexibility is improved, but driver safety deteriorates due to visual distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a haptic exciter that provides tactile feedback through vibration when the driver interacts with the touchscreen interface. This mechanical feedback allows the driver to confirm button presses and interactions through touch rather than visual confirmation, reducing the need for the driver to take eyes off the road while maintaining control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic exciter provides immediate tactile feedback to the driver upon interaction with the touchscreen interface. This feedback mechanism confirms user input through vibration, allowing the driver to verify control actions without visual confirmation, thereby reducing driver distraction while maintaining the flexibility of touchscreen control.
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 reduces driver distraction by providing effective haptic feedback while minimizing space and costs, enabling safer and more flexible control of vehicle systems with reduced complexity and increased integration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a voice coil, a magnet, a suspension for the magnet... As the coil is energized with an alternating current, the magnet moves up and down
Implementation Method 2
motor driven or voice coil driven... drive an unbalanced rotating medium, and the lack of balance causes a vibration perpendicular to the axis of rotation... provide the haptic feedback and are motor driven or voice coil driven
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly that provides haptic feedback includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first planar surface that faces in a first direction and a second planar surface that faces in a second direction, the second direction being opposite from the first direction, a touch plate having a first surface that faces in the first direction and a second surface that faces in the second direction, wherein the first surface of the touch plate is proximate the second planar surface of the PCB, and a haptic exciter that has a conductive coil of wire having a hollow inner core and a magnet that is at least partially disposed within the hollow inner core of the coil of wire such that the magnet alternatively moves in the first and second directions as an alternating current passes through the conductive coil of wire.