Multilayer Vibratory Actuator for Touch Panel Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch panels with haptic feedback in mobile terminals face challenges due to the limited space and high energy consumption of traditional vibratory actuators, which are often arranged around the display screen, leading to inefficient energy use and reduced device autonomy.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing compact vibratory elements using a multilayer structure on a substrate, with electrodes for signal transmission and mechanical coupling to a control element, allowing for efficient vibration transmission and alignment along the edges of the display screen, reducing energy consumption and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional discrete vibratory actuators are arranged around the display screen, then haptic feedback function is achieved, but device space is excessively occupied and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibratory actuator with the display screen by integrating the piezoelectric material layer directly onto the display structure, eliminating the need for separate discrete actuators arranged around the screen. This integration reduces both space occupation and energy consumption while maintaining haptic feedback functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of discrete actuators around the screen to a three-dimensional integration where the piezoelectric material is deposited directly on the display surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact integration and reduce overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If discrete vibratory actuators are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but manufacturing and integration costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display structure into functional layers, with the piezoelectric material forming a distinct layer that can be manufactured separately and then integrated. This segmentation enables standardized manufacturing processes and reduces integration complexity compared to assembling discrete actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated piezoelectric layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display structure component and the vibratory actuator, eliminating the need for separate actuator components and reducing overall device complexity while lowering manufacturing and integration costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If piezoelectric vibratory actuators are arranged around the display screen, then haptic feedback is achieved, but electrical energy consumption increases reducing device autonomy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply for the vibratory function with the display power system, using the same electrical signals to control both display operation and haptic feedback. This integration reduces overall electrical energy consumption and extends device autonomy compared to separate actuator power supplies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables the integration of small, energy-efficient vibratory actuators in mobile terminals, providing effective haptic feedback while minimizing space and energy usage, thus enhancing device autonomy and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a layer in a piezoelectric material which is able to generate a vibration when it is subjected to an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9201528B2Method of manufacturing a vibratory actuator for a touch panel with haptic feedback
Publication Date: 2015.12.01 STMICROELECTRONICS FRANCE
  • US9201528B2 patent drawing
  • US9201528B2 patent drawing
  • US9201528B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing vibratory elements, comprising forming on a substrate a multilayer structure by an integrated circuit manufacturing method, the multilayer structure comprising an element susceptible of vibrating when it is subjected to an electrical signal, and electrodes for transmitting an electrical signal to the vibratory element, the vibratory element comprising a mechanical coupling face that is able to transmit to control element vibrations perceptible by a user.