Inflatable Pad Tactile Feedback for Flexible Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face drawbacks with physical keys, including increased size, weight, short lifespan, and aesthetic impact, while virtual keys lack tactile feel, necessitating a solution that combines the benefits of both.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with a flexible display panel, inflatable pad, and gas transportation system, where the inflatable pad is inflated to raise a portion of the display panel, mimicking a physical key's tactile experience without the need for physical keys, using a sensing unit to detect external contact and control gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical key is equipped in the portable electronic device, then the tactile feel is improved, but the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable pad with gas transportation device to create a tactile feedback mechanism. When gas is injected into the pad, it inflates and raises the display panel surface, providing physical resistance and tactile sensation similar to a physical key, but without the weight penalty of actual mechanical keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the display panel surface by controlling the inflation level of the pad beneath it. By adjusting the gas volume in the inflatable pad, the surface elevation and tactile properties can be dynamically modified, allowing the same surface to provide different tactile experiences without adding permanent structural weight.
2Ease of operation
If a physical key is equipped in the portable electronic device, then the tactile feel is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable pad structure serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback for key simulation, maintains display flatness when deflated, and can be integrated with the existing display panel structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate physical key components, reducing overall manufacturing cost despite the added complexity of the inflation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a physical key is equipped in the portable electronic device, then the tactile feel is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The key surface is dynamic rather than static - it can be flat or raised depending on the inflation state of the pad beneath. This allows the device to maintain a sleek, flat aesthetic appearance during normal use, and only create physical key features when needed for tactile input, combining visual appeal with operational feedback.
4Weight of stationary object
If a virtual key is used instead of a physical key, then the size and weight are reduced, but the tactile feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable pad uses pneumatic pressure to create physical resistance and tactile sensation. When the user presses the key area, the gas-filled pad provides elastic resistance and can be felt through the display surface, delivering authentic tactile feedback that virtual keys cannot provide, while keeping the device lightweight.
5Ease of operation
If the inflatable pad is inflated to raise the display panel, then the tactile feel is improved, but the display flatness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface is segmented into different functional zones: most areas remain flat for optimal viewing, while specific key areas have inflatable pads beneath them. This segmentation allows the majority of the display to maintain flatness for aesthetic and viewing purposes, while localized inflation provides tactile feedback only where needed for key functions.
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 design reduces manufacturing costs and weight, extends device lifespan, enhances aesthetics, and provides a tactile experience similar to physical keys while maintaining the display functionality.
Implementation Method 1
When a gas is transmitted from the gas transportation device to the inflatable pad, the inflatable pad is inflated with the gas so as to support the flexible display panel
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device includes a casing, a flexible display panel, a cushion, an inflatable pad, a gas transportation device and a sensing unit. The flexible display panel is embedded in the casing and including a movable region. The cushion is attached on a bottom surface of the movable region. The inflatable pad is attached on a bottom surface of the flexible display panel and covers the cushion. The gas transportation device is in communication with the inflatable pad and electrically connected with the sensing unit. When the sensing unit is touched by a user, a first driving signal is transmitted from the sensing unit to the gas transportation device, in response to which the gas transportation device inflates the inflatable pad again to raise the cushion, so that the movable region corresponding to the cushion is raised.