Piezoelectric Actuator Lateral Panel Movement Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile feedback systems in electronic devices face challenges in providing a favorable operational feeling with reduced size and weight, while efficiently delivering tactile sensations in limited spaces with minimal power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensation providing apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric actuator attached to a panel, which allows lateral movement upon bending, providing a tactile sensation by displacing the panel relative to the interface surface, thereby mimicking a click sensation without significant size or weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a piezoelectric actuator is used to provide tactile feedback, then power consumption is reduced and device size is minimized, but the tactile sensation uniformity across the interface surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface surface is divided into multiple regions, each associated with a separate piezoelectric actuator. This segmentation allows independent control of tactile feedback in different areas, enabling uniform tactile sensation across the entire surface while using multiple small actuators that consume less power individually and collectively reduce overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuators are positioned at specific locations beneath the interface surface rather than being distributed uniformly across it. By strategically placing actuators at positions that correspond to perceived tactile zones, the system achieves uniform tactile feedback across the surface using fewer, more efficiently positioned actuators, reducing power consumption and device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to meet portable requirements, then portability is improved, but the space available for tactile feedback mechanisms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuators are integrated within the device structure in a nested configuration, positioned beneath the interface surface and utilizing the space between the display and the outer casing. This nesting approach allows the tactile feedback mechanism to be embedded within the device's existing volume without increasing overall device size, maintaining portability while enabling tactile feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Thin piezoelectric films or actuators are used instead of bulky mechanical components. These thin-film actuators provide the necessary tactile feedback while occupying minimal space, allowing the device to maintain a compact, portable form factor without sacrificing tactile feedback capability.
3Reliability
If traditional vibration motors are used for tactile feedback, then tactile sensation is provided, but device weight increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional vibration motors that rely on mechanical imbalance and rotation are replaced with piezoelectric actuators that utilize the piezoelectric effect to generate precise mechanical displacement. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy rotating components and complex mechanical structures, significantly reducing device weight while maintaining effective tactile feedback through controlled surface deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile feedback mechanism transitions from high-power vibration motors operating at fixed frequencies to low-power piezoelectric actuators that can dynamically adjust their displacement amplitude and response characteristics. This parameter change enables effective tactile feedback with much lower power consumption and reduced weight, as piezoelectric materials can generate sufficient mechanical force with minimal electrical input.
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 efficiently provides a uniform tactile sensation across the interface surface, enhancing the operational feeling by displacing the panel laterally, thus addressing the need for reduced size and power consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface. In the tactile sensation providing apparatus, the panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile sensation providing apparatus includes a base, a panel having an interface surface, and a piezoelectric actuator that is attached to the base and the panel and configured to allow lateral movement of the panel with respect to the interface surface. The panel moves laterally with respect to the interface surface in accordance with bending of the piezoelectric actuator to provide a tactile sensation on the interface surface.