Panel Input Structure With Flexible Periphery for Clear Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices lack improved operability, particularly in integrating seamless design and effective vibration feedback for user operations.
Innovation Solution
The input device incorporates a panel with a design for operation, a holder, a detector, and a vibration device. The panel is structured with a first portion for displaying the design, a second portion in the periphery that is more flexible, and a third portion that is less flexible. This configuration allows for easier vibration transmission and recognition of user operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the panel is made uniformly rigid for structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but vibration feedback and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into different regions with different flexibility characteristics. The first portion (center region) has lower flexibility for stable design display, while the second portion (peripheral region) has higher flexibility for vibration feedback, allowing each region to have optimized properties for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is segmented into multiple portions with distinct flexibility characteristics. The first portion contains the design display area with rigid structure, while the second portion surrounds it with flexible structure, creating functional zones that independently optimize for stability and vibration response
2Ease of operation
If the panel is made uniformly flexible for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability and design display quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the panel are assigned different flexibility properties: the first portion (center) maintains rigidity for stable design display, while the second portion (periphery) provides flexibility for easy operation, allowing local optimization without compromising overall performance
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is divided into functional segments where the first portion handles design display with rigid structure and the second portion handles user interaction with flexible structure, enabling independent optimization of each functional zone
3Ease of operation
If the second portion is made highly flexible for vibration transmission, then vibration feedback is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion is designed with higher flexibility specifically for vibration transmission while the first portion maintains structural integrity, allowing the flexible region to serve its vibration function without compromising the overall structural strength of the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component that connects the vibration device to the panel. It transmits vibrations through the flexible second portion while maintaining structural integrity, serving as a mediator between the rigid first portion and the flexible second portion
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 improved structural flexibility and vibration feedback enhance the operability of the input device, making it easier for users to recognize and perform operations with reduced operational force.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration device that is mechanically connected to the holder and produces a vibration in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the surface of the panel when the first detector detects that the panel has been operated
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes: a panel that includes a surface on which a design for an operation is displayed; a holder that is provided on a back surface side of the panel and mechanically connected to the panel; a push-in detector that is provided on the back surface side of the panel and detects an operation on the panel from a user; and a vibration device that is mechanically connected to the holder and produces a vibration in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the surface of the panel when the push-in detector detects that the panel has been operated. When viewed from the perpendicular direction, the panel includes a first portion on which the design is displayed and a second portion provided in a periphery of the first portion. The second portion is more flexible than the first portion.