Keypad Structure with Vibratory Element for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dome type switches in electronic devices provide low tactile feedback, especially in compact keypads like those found in cellular phones, leading to user uncertainty about key registration.
Innovation Solution
A keypad structure incorporating a plurality of dome switches and at least one vibratory element, where the vibratory element provides additional tactile feedback when any dome switch is pressed, enhancing user confirmation of key registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If dome type switches are used in compact keypads, then the device can be made smaller with closer key spacing, but the tactile feedback becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines dome switches with vibratory elements (such as piezoelectric actuators or small vibration motors) to create a hybrid tactile feedback system. The vibratory element is integrated with the dome switch structure, allowing both components to work together to provide enhanced tactile response when a key is pressed, thus maintaining compact size while improving user feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration through vibratory elements that generate tactile feedback when activated. These vibratory elements produce noticeable vibrations or haptic responses that compensate for the reduced tactile feedback from closely spaced dome switches, allowing users to clearly perceive key presses even in compact keypad layouts.
2Area of stationary object
If distance between keys is reduced, then keypad area is minimized, but user confirmation of key registration becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements enhanced feedback mechanisms through vibratory elements that provide immediate tactile confirmation when a dome switch is pressed. This feedback loop ensures users receive clear confirmation that their input has been registered, eliminating uncertainty even when keys are closely spaced and traditional tactile feedback is minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratory elements produce distinct vibration patterns or haptic responses that serve as clear visual and tactile signals to the user, confirming key registration. This mechanical vibration provides unambiguous feedback that compensates for the reduced spatial separation between keys.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dome switches are used, then both key press recognition and tactile feedback functions are provided, but the tactile feedback is very low in compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dome switch mechanism with vibratory feedback elements into a single integrated component system. This combination allows the same structure to perform both key press detection and enhanced tactile feedback functions, maintaining the dual-function capability while significantly improving the quality of tactile response through the added vibratory element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining dome switch materials with vibratory element components (such as piezoelectric ceramics or vibration motor elements). This composite approach enables both switching functionality and enhanced tactile feedback from the same structural assembly, maintaining versatility while improving feedback quality.
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
The combination of dome switches and vibratory elements significantly improves tactile feedback, ensuring users are clearly notified of key presses, reducing repeated presses due to low feedback concerns.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibratory element electrically connected to the plurality of dome switches and configured to actuate when any one of the plurality of dome switches is pressed, the at least one vibratory element providing a second tactile feedback to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A keypad structure comprises a plurality of dome switches. Each of the plurality of dome switches provides a first tactile feedback to a user when pressed. At least one vibratory element is electrically connected to the dome switches to actuate when one of the plurality of dome switches is pressed. The at least one vibratory element provides a second tactile feedback to the user.