Integrated Haptic Switch Assembly Using PCB and Touch Plate Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive touchscreen technologies in vehicles require significant visual engagement, compromising driver safety, while mechanical switches offer limited flexibility and separate voice-coil haptic exciters increase costs and space usage.
Innovation Solution
Integrate the voice-coil haptic exciter into the mechanical design of a switch assembly by using the PCB and touch plate as a suspension for the coil and magnet, eliminating separate components and manual wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional capacitive touchscreen technologies are used, then multi-functional control is achieved, but driver distraction increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a voice-coil haptic exciter that generates mechanical vibrations and tactile feedback through electromagnetic actuation. This provides physical sensation to the driver, enabling intuitive interaction with touchscreen controls without requiring visual attention, thereby reducing driver distraction while maintaining multi-functional control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic exciter provides real-time tactile feedback to the driver upon contact or interaction with the touchscreen interface. This feedback mechanism confirms input registration through physical sensation, allowing drivers to interact safely with multiple functions without visual engagement
2Ease of operation
If separate voice-coil haptic exciters are mounted on the touchscreen, then haptic feedback is provided, but device complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the voice-coil haptic exciter directly into the touchscreen assembly by mounting the voice coil behind the touchscreen panel and utilizing the touchscreen's existing structural components (such as the backlight assembly or support frame) as the magnetic circuit elements. This merging eliminates separate mounting brackets, housing, and suspension mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining haptic feedback functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen structural components serve dual purposes: they provide both the display function and the magnetic circuit for the haptic exciter. The backlight assembly or support frame acts as both structural support and magnetic flux path, eliminating the need for dedicated magnetic circuit components and reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If conventional separate mounting of haptic exciters is used, then haptic feedback is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic exciter components are integrated into the touchscreen assembly during the same manufacturing process, eliminating separate assembly steps. The voice coil is mounted behind the touchscreen panel and connected to the PCB through existing structural elements, reducing the number of assembly operations and lowering manufacturing costs
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
Reduces distraction and space usage while providing cost-effective multi-functional haptic feedback without separate mounting, enhancing driver safety and system integration.
Implementation Method 1
a voice-coil haptic exciter that uses characteristics of the mechanical design of the switch assembly as elements of the voice-coil haptic exciter
Implementation Method 2
As the coil is energized with an alternating current, the magnet moves up and down
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.