Piezo Oscillator Screen for Haptic Feedback and Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibration systems in portable electronic devices suffer from high energy consumption and poor temporal resolution, limiting their effectiveness in providing haptic feedback and energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A screen device incorporating a magnetic actuator coupled with an arc-shaped piezo electric oscillation element that operates in two modes: repulsive forces for haptic feedback and attractive forces for energy harvesting, allowing for efficient energy distribution and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vibration motors are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic signal output is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation element serves dual functions: it acts as a haptic actuator to generate vibrations for user feedback, and simultaneously functions as an energy harvesting device to convert ambient vibrations into electrical energy. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vibration motors, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining haptic feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system harvests energy from ambient vibrations and uses it to power the haptic feedback function. The oscillation element converts environmental mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be stored and reused to drive itself, creating a self-sustaining system that reduces dependency on external power sources.
2Ease of operation
If vibration motors are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic signal output is achieved, but temporal resolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration motors with an electrostatic actuation system. The oscillation element is actuated by electrostatic forces generated by voltage application, allowing for precise electronic control of vibration timing and frequency. This substitution enables superior temporal resolution as the electrostatic actuation can be rapidly modulated without the mechanical inertia limitations of traditional vibration motors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the oscillation element is used for energy harvesting, then energy consumption is reduced, but haptic feedback capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between energy harvesting mode and haptic feedback mode based on operational requirements. The oscillation element can be configured to maximize energy capture from ambient vibrations during normal operation, and then activated with electrostatic actuation when haptic feedback is needed. This dynamic operation ensures both energy efficiency and maintained haptic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the oscillation element to switch between functions. During energy harvesting, the element operates passively to capture ambient vibrations. When haptic feedback is required, voltage parameters are adjusted to electrostatically actuate the element, transforming it from an energy capture device to an active vibration generator without requiring a separate motor.
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 provides enhanced haptic feedback with reduced energy consumption and improved energy harvesting capabilities, enabling the system to work in larger strokes while minimizing instability and optimizing energy conversion from ambient vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic actuator is configured to apply repulsive forces to the oscillation element in the first mode for pressing the oscillation element against the touch screen
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic actuator is configured to apply attractive forces to the oscillation element in the second mode for manipulating of the natural frequency of the oscillation element
Implementation Method 3
an arc-shaped piezo electric oscillation element that operates in two modes: repulsive forces for haptic feedback and attractive forces for energy harvesting
Implementation Method 4
an arc-shaped piezo electric oscillation element that operates in two modes: repulsive forces for haptic feedback
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a screen device, in particular for use in smart devices. The screen device according to the present invention at least comprises a touch screen (120), an oscillation element (310) at least temporarily coupled to the touch screen (120), wherein the touch screen (120) overlays the oscillating element (310), a control unit operating the oscillation element (310) in at least two different modes wherein in a first mode an oscillation of the oscillation element (310) is causable by an application of an electric current to the oscillation element (310), wherein the oscillations of the oscillation element (310) cause the touch screen (120) at least locally to vibrate for outputting signals via the vibrations to a user touching that screen (120), and wherein in a second mode the touch screen (120) transfers ambient excitations to the oscillation element (310), wherein those excitations are transformed by means of the oscillation element (310) into electric energy.