Piezoelectric Actuator Assembly for Thin Touchscreen Tactile Feedback
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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 metal actuator sheet that provides tactile feedback by simulating the actuation of a dome switch, with controlled tolerance and pre-loading during production to ensure reliable and cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tactile feedback mechanisms are used in portable electronic devices, then user input confirmation is provided, but the device thickness increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated within the display assembly structure, with the movable portion positioned between the display and the housing. This nesting approach allows the tactile feedback mechanism to be embedded within the existing device layers without increasing overall thickness, while still providing physical actuation feedback to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes a flexible movable portion that can deform to provide tactile feedback. This thin-film approach replaces traditional bulky mechanical switches or domes with a flexible membrane structure that consumes minimal space while maintaining the ability to provide physical feedback upon user input.
2Reliability
If tactile feedback mechanisms are added to touch-sensitive devices, then user satisfaction improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is integrated with the display assembly as a unified structure, where the movable portion of the actuator is positioned within the display assembly housing. This merging of functions allows the tactile feedback mechanism to be manufactured and assembled together with the display, reducing overall assembly complexity and eliminating the need for separate feedback mechanism installation.
3Reliability
If precise tolerance control is implemented in actuator assembly, then assembly reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into distinct modules including the actuator, movable portion, and display assembly, each with defined interfaces. This segmentation allows tolerance control to be applied selectively at critical interfaces while maintaining relaxed tolerances in non-critical areas, reducing overall manufacturing cost while ensuring assembly reliability at key connection points.
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 by providing positive tactile feedback, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing the likelihood of double entries while maintaining a thin and cost-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric disk actuators
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is described. The actuator assembly includes a support tray, an actuator supported on the support tray, and a cover over the actuator and coupled to the support tray, a portion of the cover being movable relative to the support tray when the actuator is actuated.