Piezoelectric Haptic Apparatus with Targeted Screen Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback methods in portable electronic devices, such as vibrators that vibrate the entire device, are inadequate as they provide non-targeted and ineffective tactile feedback, lacking precision and control.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a piezoelectric vibrator suspended between a base and a cover, with a transmitting mass and beam system that transmits vibrations directly to a touch screen, allowing for targeted and controlled haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibrator is incorporated into the handheld electronic device to provide tactile feedback, then haptic cues are provided, but the entire device vibrates resulting in non-targeted and inefficient tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration generation function into multiple independent piezoelectric vibrators positioned at different locations on the touch screen. Each vibrator can be independently controlled to provide localized haptic feedback at specific touch points, rather than vibrating the entire device. This segmentation enables targeted tactile cues that correspond to specific user interactions on the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing haptic feedback only at the specific locations where user interaction occurs on the touch screen. The piezoelectric vibrators are activated selectively based on touch detection, creating localized vibration zones rather than global device vibration. This allows different regions of the device to have different vibration characteristics tailored to specific interaction points.
2Ease of operation
If structural tactile methods such as raised surfaces on the input surface are used, then tactile cues are provided, but the feedback is static and cannot offer effective dynamic tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static structural tactile elements with dynamic piezoelectric vibrators that can be activated and deactivated in real-time based on user interaction. The vibrators respond dynamically to touch events, providing adaptive haptic feedback that changes characteristics (frequency, amplitude, duration) according to the specific interaction context, enabling versatile and context-appropriate tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the touch screen's own interaction points as the basis for activating corresponding piezoelectric vibrators. When the user touches a specific location on the screen, the system automatically activates the vibrator at or near that location, creating an integrated feedback mechanism where the interaction interface itself triggers the appropriate tactile response without requiring external 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
Enables intensive and precise tactile feedback, enhancing user interaction by providing vibrations directly to the touch screen during interactions like tapping, thereby improving the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectricity vibrator suspended by the contacts with two ends electrically connected to the contacts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus used in an electronic device for providing haptic feedback. The apparatus includes a base defining a receiving space, a piezoelectricity vibrator suspended in the receiving space and being capable of vibrating in the receiving space, a pair of contacts partially accommodated in the base and electrically connected to the piezoelectricity vibrator, and a transmitting mass located above the piezoelectricity vibrator with a lower side abutting against the piezoelectricity vibrator.