Device and method for producing active haptic feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Purely electronic man-machine interfaces lack haptic feedback, making it difficult for users to confirm successful operation without visual confirmation, which can be unsafe, especially in noisy environments, and existing haptic feedback devices have limited displacement and frequency range, making feedback less perceptible.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a piezoelectric actuator with multiple layers and internal electrodes, combined with amplification elements and a driver circuit, which applies electrical voltage to mimic a 'jump in force' haptic feedback, providing stronger and more reliable feedback across a broader frequency range by amplifying the actuator's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If purely electronic interfaces are used to replace mechanical keys, then device complexity is reduced and modern functionality is achieved, but haptic feedback is lost making user confirmation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic touchscreen interface that incorporates a piezoelectric actuator. The actuator generates haptic feedback by producing controlled vibrations and force changes when voltage is applied, substituting the mechanical feedback mechanism with an electro-mechanical system that maintains user confirmation reliability while achieving modern electronic interface benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator serves as an intermediary between the electronic interface and the user's tactile sense. It converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and force changes, mediating the interaction between the electronic system and human touch to provide perceptible haptic feedback without requiring mechanical keys
2Reliability
If conventional haptic feedback devices are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but achievable displacements are very limited restricting frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect to generate haptic feedback across a broad frequency range by changing the voltage parameters applied to the actuator. The system can produce both low-frequency vibrations for general feedback and high-frequency vibrations for specific sensations, achieving adaptability across different frequency bands while maintaining reliable haptic feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator provides dynamic haptic feedback by rapidly adjusting its vibration characteristics in response to user interactions. The system can dynamically change vibration amplitude, frequency, and duration to create realistic haptic sensations across different operating conditions and interface elements
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 ensures rapid and strong haptic feedback that closely mimics mechanical key actuation, enhancing user experience and safety by providing feedback that exceeds the detection threshold, even in hectic situations and with heavy-duty interfaces, and operates across a wide frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric actuator comprises a plurality of piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes arranged therebetween. The piezoelectric actuator is designed and configured to change its extension in a first direction upon the application of an electrical voltage
Implementation Method 2
the amplification elements are designed and configured to deform as a result of the change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator, such that a portion of the respective amplification element is moved relative to the piezoelectric actuator in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for producing haptic feedback are disclosed. In an embodiment a device includes at least one piezoelectric actuator having a plurality of piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes arranged therebetween, a first amplification element and a second amplification element, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is arranged between the amplification elements, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to change its extension in a first direction upon application of an electrical voltage, and wherein the amplification elements are configured to deform as a result of the change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator such that a subregion of a respective amplification element is moved relative to the piezoelectric actuator in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and a driver circuit configured to apply the electrical voltage to the piezoelectric actuator such that the amplification elements are deformed thereby producing the haptic feedback against an object pressing on the device, the haptic feedback imitating a jump in force.