3D Haptic Transducer with In-Plane Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional smartphone buttons face design limitations due to mechanical components, increasing production costs, reducing water resistance, and lacking variety in haptic feedback, particularly lacking in-plane haptic sensations.

Innovation Solution

A transducer system with actuator components that allow in-plane and out-of-plane movement within a phone frame cavity, integrated with sensing layers to create 3D haptic feedback, using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrostatic actuation methods to provide comprehensive haptic experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional mechanical buttons are used in smartphones, then button functionality is achieved, but design flexibility is limited and production costs increase due to milling and drilling operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons with a transducer system comprising actuator components and sensing layers. The actuator components (electromagnetic, electrostatic, or piezoelectric) substitute mechanical button structures, eliminating the need for milling and drilling operations while enabling diverse haptic feedback patterns through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer system serves multiple functions: it provides button press detection, generates various haptic feedback patterns (in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations), and maintains water resistance. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical buttons while enhancing design flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional mechanical buttons are used in smartphones, then button functionality is achieved, but water resistance and dust protection are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidbutton functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical buttons that create openings in the device frame with a transducer system sealed within the frame structure. The actuator components and sensing layers are integrated into the frame cavity, eliminating physical button holes while maintaining water and dust protection through the sealed frame design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical buttons are used in smartphones, then basic haptic feedback is provided, but variety and interest of haptic feedbacks are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback varietyVSAvoidhaptic feedback mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic haptic feedback by enabling actuator components to generate multiple vibration patterns including in-plane vibrations (parallel to frame surface) and out-of-plane vibrations (perpendicular to frame surface). The system can dynamically switch between different vibration modes, frequencies, and amplitudes to create diverse and interesting haptic experiences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to haptic feedback by incorporating in-plane vibrations in addition to traditional out-of-plane vibrations. This two-dimensional vibration capability (in-plane and out-of-plane) creates more varied and engaging haptic feedback patterns compared to conventional single-direction buttons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enhances haptic feedback by incorporating in-plane vibrations alongside traditional out-of-plane movements, improving user interaction while maintaining structural integrity and reducing costs by eliminating physical buttons.

Implementation Method 1

using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrostatic actuation methods to provide comprehensive haptic experiences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrostatic actuation methods to provide comprehensive haptic experiences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrostatic actuation methods to provide comprehensive haptic experiences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic actuation: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 4

The sensing layer may be a capacitive sensing layer that senses changes in displacement of a metal frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11281295B2Apparatus for sensing and three dimensional haptic

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A transducer includes one or more actuator components configured to be encompassed by a cavity of a frame, wherein the one or more actuator components are configured to allow in-plane and out-of-plane movement with respect to the frame and configured to create haptic feedback in the in-plane or out-of-plane movement to the frame. The transducer also includes one or more sensing layers configured to detect changes of displacement in the frame, wherein the sensing layer is connected to the one or more actuator components.