Multi-Layer Inductor Haptic Touch Sensor for Thin Form Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors lack the capability to provide real-time haptic feedback and efficient integration of touch and pressure sensing within a thin form factor, limiting their functionality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer inductor system integrated into a substrate with magnetic elements and a controller to induce oscillating magnetic coupling, enabling haptic feedback and pressure sensing through alternating magnetic fields, while maintaining a thin profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional touch sensor structures are used, then the device can detect touch inputs, but it cannot provide real-time haptic feedback and requires a thicker form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensing function and haptic feedback function into a single integrated structure. The same multi-layer inductor system serves both to detect touch inputs (through changes in inductance) and to generate haptic feedback (through magnetic coupling with magnetic elements). This merging eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer inductor structure performs multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element for detecting touch/pressure inputs and as the actuator for generating haptic feedback through oscillating magnetic fields. The magnetic elements serve dual purposes as well, being both sensed by the inductor and used to generate tactile feedback. This multi-functionality reduces component count and thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate touch and pressure sensing systems are used, then comprehensive sensing is achieved, but device complexity and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges touch sensing and pressure sensing into a single capacitive sensing mechanism. The same array of capacitive sensors detects both light touch (through capacitance changes) and pressure (through force-sensitive resistance changes in the deflection spacers). This unified sensing approach reduces system complexity compared to using separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection spacers serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the substrate, act as force-sensitive resistors for pressure sensing, and enable capacitive coupling for touch sensing. The multi-layer inductor also serves dual purposes as both sensor and actuator. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback is added to touch sensors, then user interaction is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback is generated through periodic oscillation of the magnetic elements at resonant frequencies. By driving the magnetic elements at their natural resonant frequency, the system achieves maximum haptic effect with minimum energy input. The controller applies voltage periodically to the inductor, creating oscillating magnetic fields that efficiently drive the magnetic elements without requiring continuous high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the oscillation frequency and amplitude of the magnetic elements based on the detected touch input characteristics. For light touches, smaller amplitude oscillations are generated, consuming less energy. For heavier presses, larger amplitude vibrations are produced. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes energy consumption based on actual user interaction needs.
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 real-time haptic feedback and pressure sensing capabilities within a thin package, enhancing user interaction with devices by providing tactile responses to touch inputs.
Implementation Method 1
drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the magnetic element
Implementation Method 2
oscillate the substrate and the cover layer relative to the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system includes a substrate including: a first layer including a first spiral trace coiled in a first direction; a second layer arranged below the first layer and including a second spiral trace coiled in a second direction and cooperating with the first spiral trace to form a multi-layer inductor; and a sensor layer including an array of drive and sense electrode pairs. The system also includes: a cover layer arranged over the substrate and defining a touch sensor surface; and a first magnetic element arranged below the substrate and defining a first polarity facing the multi-layer inductor. The system further includes a controller configured to drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to oscillate the substrate in response to detecting an input on the touch sensor surface based on electrical values from the set of drive and sense electrode pairs.