Localized Haptic Input Module With Inertial Actuator Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback systems in electronic devices often provide global feedback, which can increase power consumption and lead to a poor user experience, and custom-designed solutions are required for local feedback, making them costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A modular system using inertial actuators coupled directly to input devices with a dampening mechanism to isolate the haptic feedback, allowing for localized vibration without shaking the entire device, utilizing inertial actuators like linear resonant actuators or eccentric rotating masses with elastomers or other dampening materials to prevent wave propagation to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inertial actuator is used to provide haptic feedback, then the haptic feedback can be generated, but the entire device shakes causing poor user experience and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separate functional modules: the input device (e.g., crown) is mechanically decoupled from the housing using a dampening mechanism. This segmentation allows the inertial actuator to be attached to the input device rather than the housing, enabling localized haptic feedback without shaking the entire device. The dampening mechanism acts as an independent element that isolates vibrations between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing haptic feedback only at the specific input device location rather than globally across the entire device. The inertial actuator is positioned and coupled to generate vibrations localized to the crown or button, with the dampening mechanism ensuring that vibrations do not propagate to the housing. This creates different vibration characteristics at different locations within the device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If custom-designed solutions are used for localized haptic feedback, then localized feedback can be achieved, but the design becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal components that can serve multiple functions. The dampening mechanism, which could be a simple elastomeric element or foam material, simultaneously provides vibration isolation, mechanical coupling, and structural support. The inertial actuator serves both as a vibration generator for haptic feedback and as a mass element for the input device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom-designed specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the input device and the housing. Rather than requiring complex direct coupling designs, the dampening mechanism mediates the interaction by providing simple mechanical isolation through readily available materials such as elastomers or foam. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall design while achieving the desired localized feedback effect.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective localized haptic feedback, improving user experience by providing tactile sensations directly to input devices while minimizing feedback to the device's housing, thus reducing power consumption and simplifying design.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanical wave dampener may provide mechanical wave dampening between the input device and the housing
Implementation Method 2
The elastomer may mechanically isolate the haptic feedback device from the housing
Implementation Method 3
an inertial actuator that is attached to the input device and configured to shake the input device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing defining an aperture. An input device extends through the aperture and has a user input surface external to the housing. An inertial actuator is mechanically and fixedly coupled to the input device and positioned within the housing. A mechanical wave dampener provides mechanical wave dampening between the input device and the housing. The electronic device enables haptic feedback to be provided locally to the input device. In some cases, the mechanical wave dampener may dampen shaking of the input device with respect to the housing by at least an order of magnitude.