Input Device Vibration Control via Adjustable Braking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen input devices with U-shaped springs experience delayed vibration convergence, leading to reduced haptic feedback and a less intuitive pressing sensation for users.
Innovation Solution
An input device configuration that includes a liquid crystal display device mounted on a base member, with an actuator vibrating the input member perpendicular to the pressing direction, a braking member to control vibrations, and a position adjusting mechanism to optimize the contact state between the braking member and the input member, enhancing haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a U-shaped spring is used to mechanically couple the reference object to the touch screen, then the touch screen can be moved relative to the reference object, but the vibrations take much time to converge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration damping function from the elastic element (U-shaped spring) and assigns it to a separate braking member. The braking member is disposed to be in contact with the input member and is activated specifically to dampen vibrations, while the elastic element continues to provide only the necessary elastic coupling for movement. This separation allows the damping function to be optimized independently, reducing vibration convergence time without compromising the movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking member acts as an intermediary element between the input member and the reference object. It is disposed to be in contact with the input member and provides a controlled resistance to vibrations. The braking member can be held by a holding member and positioned using a position adjusting mechanism, allowing it to serve as a mediating force that dampens vibrations while allowing controlled movement when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the U-shaped spring elastically deforms repeatedly to move the touch screen, then the touch screen can respond to pressing operations, but the user feels less pressing sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the haptic feedback function from the elastic deformation of the U-shaped spring and assigns it to the braking member. The braking member provides the primary haptic feedback through its contact with the input member, creating a more pronounced pressing sensation. The elastic element maintains its role in enabling movement but the haptic feedback is enhanced by the braking member's controlled resistance during vibration convergence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the vibration damping system by introducing the braking member with adjustable contact characteristics. The position adjusting mechanism allows optimization of the contact force and position of the braking member, changing the damping parameters to enhance haptic feedback. This adjustment optimizes the balance between movement responsiveness and pressing sensation.
3Loss of time
If the braking member is added to control vibrations, then vibration convergence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking member is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides vibration damping, enhances haptic feedback, and can be positioned and adjusted through the position adjusting mechanism. The holding member that holds the braking member can also serve as a mounting structure for other components. By making components multi-functional, the patent reduces the net increase in device complexity while achieving effective vibration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking member is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities through the position adjusting mechanism, allowing its contact position and force to be dynamically optimized. This dynamic adjustability allows the same component to adapt to different operating conditions, reducing the need for multiple fixed components and simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Improves haptic feedback performance by effectively converging vibrations and providing a more intuitive pressing sensation, allowing users to feel as if they are pressing a virtual button.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator disposed at least on an input member side and configured to vibrate the input member in a direction perpendicular to a pressing direction of the pressing operation
Implementation Method 2
a braking member disposed to be in contact with the input member... the input member that vibrates with respect to the base member brakes with the braking member
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes an input member to which a pressing operation is input, a base member on which the input member is mounted, an actuator disposed at least on an input member side and configured to vibrate the input member in a direction perpendicular to a pressing direction of the pressing operation, a braking member disposed to be in contact with the input member, a holding member disposed on a base member side and holding the braking member, and a position adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a position of at least one of the input member and the holding member with respect to the pressing direction.