Piezoelectric Input Apparatus with Discharge Circuit for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors lack effective feedback mechanisms, leading to erroneous inputs due to lack of tactile sensation, especially in noisy environments or when the input object is small, and the use of piezoelectric elements for dual functions results in inconsistent tactile feedback during continuous pressing.
Innovation Solution
An input apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric element as both a load sensor and actuator, with a control unit and discharge circuit to detect pressure loads and provide tactile feedback only when the load exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a discharge circuit to prevent residual charge accumulation, ensuring consistent tactile sensation during continuous input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a touch sensor is used to receive input operations, then the number of components is reduced and the structure is simplified, but tactile feedback is lost leading to erroneous inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vibration motor and touch sensor into an integrated assembly where the vibration motor is mounted directly on the touch sensor substrate. This merging provides tactile feedback while maintaining structural simplicity and reducing the overall number of components compared to separate vibration and touch input systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism by activating the vibration motor in response to touch sensor input. This tactile feedback allows users to confirm their input operations, preventing erroneous inputs while maintaining the simplicity of the touch sensor interface.
2Reliability
If a vibration motor is added to provide tactile feedback, then input accuracy is improved, but the number of components increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor is mounted directly on the touch sensor substrate, merging two functional components into a single integrated assembly. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while still providing the necessary tactile feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration motor serves multiple functions: providing tactile feedback for touch input confirmation and potentially serving as a haptic interface for other device functions. This multi-functionality justifies its inclusion while reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
3Reliability
If the piezoelectric element is driven during continuous pressing, then tactile feedback is provided, but residual charge accumulates causing inconsistent tactile sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic discharge of the piezoelectric element during continuous pressing operations. The discharge circuit is activated at regular intervals to release accumulated residual charge, ensuring consistent tactile feedback sensation throughout continuous input sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards residual charge in the piezoelectric element through a discharge circuit when continuous pressing is detected. This prevents charge accumulation that would cause inconsistent tactile feedback, allowing the system to recover and maintain consistent performance during continuous input operations.
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 apparatus reduces component count and cost while providing reliable tactile feedback, preventing erroneous inputs and the feeling of strangeness by ensuring consistent tactile sensation across continuous pressing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element mounted on the touch sensor; a piezoelectric element drive unit configured to drive the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element mounted on the touch sensor; a piezoelectric element drive unit configured to drive the piezoelectric element such that the tactile sensation is provided
Data Source
AI summary
An input apparatus includes: a touch sensor 11; a piezoelectric element 13; a piezoelectric element drive unit 15; a control unit 17 configured to detect a pressure load on the touch sensor 11 based on an output signal of the piezoelectric element 13 and, when the pressure load satisfies a standard to provide a tactile sensation, to control the piezoelectric element drive unit 15 to drive the piezoelectric element 13 such that the tactile sensation is provided to a pressing object; a connection switchover unit 14 configured to selectively connect the piezoelectric element 13 to the control unit 17 or the piezoelectric element drive unit 15; and a discharge circuit 16 configured to discharge electric charge in the piezoelectric element 13. When the pressure load satisfies the standard, the control unit 17 controls the connection switchover unit 14 to connect the piezoelectric element 13 to the piezoelectric element drive unit 15 such that the piezoelectric element 13 is driven, and then controls the discharge circuit 16 to discharge the electric charge in the piezoelectric element 13.