Orthogonal Displacement Actuator for Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical inputs in electronic devices, such as buttons and switches, often fail to provide tactile feedback to users, resulting in a less engaging interaction experience, while non-mechanical inputs like touch screens lack haptic feedback, which can enhance user interaction.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanical input system that includes a sensor and actuator capable of displacing in a direction orthogonal to the primary movement, simulating haptic feedback through sensations like rotating a mechanical knob, using piezoelectric or magnetic elements to provide adjustable displacement profiles for richer user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical inputs (buttons, switches) are used in electronic devices, then user interaction is enabled, but tactile feedback is insufficient resulting in a less engaging experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing orthogonal displacement perpendicular to the primary input direction. When a user presses a button in the vertical direction, the actuator simultaneously displaces the button in a horizontal direction, creating a multi-dimensional haptic feedback effect that enhances tactile sensation without interfering with the primary input function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an actuator as an intermediary component between the user input and the device system. The actuator converts electrical signals into mechanical displacement, mediating the interaction by providing tactile feedback through orthogonal movement while the sensor mediates the reverse direction, creating a feedback loop that enhances user experience
2Ease of operation
If non-mechanical inputs (touch screens) are used, then ease and versatility of operation is improved, but haptic feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between non-mechanical touch input and mechanical haptic feedback. When a user touches the screen, the system activates the actuator to generate orthogonal displacement, creating artificial tactile sensations that simulate mechanical interaction while maintaining the benefits of touch screen operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms with an electromechanical actuator system. Instead of relying on inherent mechanical properties of physical buttons, the system uses controlled electromagnetic actuation to generate haptic feedback, substituting passive mechanical design with active electromechanical control
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
Enhances user experience by providing tactile feedback that mimics mechanical interactions, such as detents, on both mechanical and touch-sensitive surfaces, improving user engagement and feedback on device operations like volume control and zooming.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element coupled to the shaft, wherein a voltage applied to the piezoelectric element causes displacement of the shaft and the mechanical input in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
the shaft including a plurality of magnetic elements configured to create one or more magnetic fields between the magnetic elements; and one or more coils configured to modulate the one or more magnetic fields, wherein a current applied to the one or more coils causes modulation of the one or more magnetic fields and displacement of the shaft and the mechanical input in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a mechanical input configured to move in a first direction in response to an input at the mechanical input. A mechanical input sensor is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to sense the input at the mechanical input based on the movement of the mechanical input in the first direction. A mechanical input actuator is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to displace the mechanical input in a second direction, different from the first direction. In some examples, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In some examples, the mechanical input comprises a rotary input configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the input. In some examples, the mechanical input actuator is configured to displace the mechanical input in the second direction while the mechanical input is moving in the first direction.