Piezoelectric Actuator Assembly for Tactile Feedback in Thin Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in providing effective tactile feedback, leading to increased chances of input errors and decreased user satisfaction due to limited space and the need for efficient confirmation of user input.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly comprising a support tray, piezoelectric disk actuators, and a movable cover sheet that provides tactile feedback by simulating the actuation of a dome switch, facilitating grounding of the touch-sensitive display and allowing for controlled tolerance and pre-loading during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a touch-sensitive display is used in portable electronic devices, then the device size is reduced and portability is improved, but tactile feedback capability deteriorates leading to increased input errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an actuator assembly as an intermediary component between the touch-sensitive display and the user's finger. This assembly includes a movable cover that simulates physical button actuation, providing tactile feedback without requiring additional space in the device. The intermediary mechanism translates electrical signals into mechanical motion, resolving the contradiction between compact size and tactile feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button structures with an actuator assembly that uses piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuators to generate mechanical motion. This substitution allows tactile feedback to be achieved through controlled mechanical displacement of the cover rather than through fixed mechanical buttons, enabling tactile feedback in a space-efficient manner.
2Ease of operation
If tactile feedback is added to touch-sensitive devices, then user satisfaction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tactile feedback, grounds the touch-sensitive display, and acts as a structural component of the device. By combining multiple functions into a single assembly, the patent improves user satisfaction without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tactile feedback mechanism with the grounding system and structural support elements into a single integrated actuator assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining all necessary functions.
3Reliability
If a movable cover is used for tactile feedback, then tactile confirmation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into separate modular components including the movable cover, support structure, and actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the cumulative tolerance requirements compared to a monolithic structure and simplifying quality control.
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 actuator assembly effectively reduces input errors and enhances user satisfaction by providing positive tactile feedback, while maintaining a thin profile and allowing for cost-effective control of tolerance in the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric disk actuators
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is described. The actuator assembly includes a support tray (402), a piezoelectric actuator (120) supported on the support tray, and a cover (430) over the actuator and coupled to the support tray, a portion of the cover (432) being movable relative to the support tray when the actuator is actuated.