Piezoelectric Actuator Arrangement for Tactile Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in providing effective tactile feedback due to their small size and limited space for user input, which affects user experience and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating piezoelectric actuators and force sensors with compressible pads to simulate tactile feedback, such as the depression and release of a physical key, by generating actuation signals based on force signals from the touch-sensitive display, allowing for customizable tactile experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional vibrator motors are used for tactile feedback, then the device can provide notification vibrations, but the device size increases and user experience is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional vibrator motors with piezoelectric actuators that generate tactile feedback through piezoelectric effect. This substitution eliminates the need for separate vibration motors while providing more precise and customizable tactile responses through direct mechanical actuation of the display elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric actuator system serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback for touch input confirmation, generates vibration notifications, and enables force feedback for various user interactions. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate vibrator motors while reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If more space is allocated for user input components, then tactile feedback can be improved, but the device becomes less portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback qualityVSAvoiddevice dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tactile feedback mechanism directly into the touch-sensitive display structure by using piezoelectric actuators integrated with the display elements. This integration eliminates the need for separate tactile feedback components, allowing high-quality tactile feedback within the existing device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of thin piezoelectric films and flexible substrates allows the tactile feedback mechanism to be integrated into the display with minimal thickness addition. This enables effective tactile feedback without significantly increasing device dimensions, maintaining portability while improving user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If customizable tactile feedback is implemented, then user interaction is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback customizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables customizable tactile feedback by varying parameters such as vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration through software control of the piezoelectric actuators. This allows different tactile patterns for different applications (notifications, confirmations, alerts) without requiring hardware changes, managing complexity through software-based parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances user interaction by providing realistic tactile feedback, improving the usability of touch-sensitive displays in portable devices without increasing size, and potentially replacing traditional vibrator motors for notifications.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A pad is disposed in alignment with a force sensor such that depression of the touch-sensitive display causes the force sensor to generate a force signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8384679B2Piezoelectric actuator arrangement

Publication Date: 2013.02.26 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A portable electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. A pad is disposed in alignment with a force sensor such that depression of the touch-sensitive display causes the force sensor to generate a force signal. A processor configured to receive the force signal and to generate the actuation signal based on the force signal.