Piezoelectric Actuator Tactile Feedback for Touch Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in providing effective user input and feedback due to their compact size, limiting the usability and functionality of these devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating piezoelectric actuators and force sensors that allow for tactile feedback by actuating the touch-sensitive display when an input device is engaged, enabling the simulation of switch depression and release, thereby enhancing user interaction and reducing the risk of device damage from incorrect input confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device size is decreased to improve portability, then the device becomes more portable, but the space for user input and output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the input device with the touch-sensitive display by positioning the input device adjacent to the display and enabling tactile feedback through the display itself. This merging allows the display to serve dual purposes: visual output and tactile feedback, thereby maintaining ease of operation in a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the visual display and the tactile feedback mechanism. When the input device is actuated, the display provides tactile feedback in response, making it a multi-functional component that addresses both output and feedback needs within limited space
2Reliability
If tactile feedback is provided through the touch-sensitive display when the input device is actuated, then user input confirmation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by using the existing touch-sensitive display to generate tactile feedback without requiring a separate dedicated feedback mechanism. The display utilizes its own actuator capabilities to provide tactile response, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the touch-sensitive display provides tactile feedback in response to input device actuation. This feedback loop confirms user input through both visual and tactile channels, improving reliability while utilizing existing display infrastructure to minimize added complexity
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 improved tactile feedback and confirmation of user input, reducing the likelihood of device damage and enhancing user experience by allowing distinguishable tactile sensations between the touch-sensitive display and input device, thus improving usability and functionality in compact portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (e.g., piezoelectric actuator) actuatable to impart a force on the touch-sensitive display
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device comprising a display, an actuator actuatable to impart a force on the display, an input device moveable from a first position in which the input device is disengaged from the display to a second position in which the input device is engaged with the display, wherein when the input device is moved to the second position, the actuator is actuated to provide tactile feedback to the input device through the display.