Piezoelectric Haptic Actuators on Touch Panel Rear Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld devices face challenges in integrating vibratory actuators due to space constraints and high manufacturing costs, particularly when combined with displays, and they often fail to effectively transmit complex information through tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming vibratory actuators on a wafer using piezoelectric materials and mechanically coupling them to different parts of a handheld object, allowing independent vibration and electrical signal modulation to transmit varied information, with a control unit adapting signals to resonance frequencies and user interaction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete vibratory actuators are mechanically coupled to a touch panel plate, then haptic feedback is provided to the user, but the device dimensions increase and integration space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibratory actuator and touch panel plate into a single integrated component. The actuator is formed directly on the rear face of the touch panel plate, eliminating the need for separate discrete actuators and their associated mounting structures. This integration reduces device volume while maintaining haptic feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the touch sensing surface and the mechanical structure for haptic feedback generation. By making the plate itself capable of vibration through integrated actuators, the design eliminates the need for separate components for display and haptic feedback, reducing overall device dimensions.
2Loss of information
If multiple discrete vibratory actuators are integrated into a handheld object, then complex information can be transmitted through tactile feedback, but manufacturing and integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch panel plate into multiple independently controllable vibration zones by integrating multiple actuators on the rear face. Each actuator can be controlled independently to provide distinct tactile feedback patterns, enabling complex information transmission while using a unified manufacturing process that reduces overall integration complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuators are integrated onto a single touch panel plate using a unified manufacturing process, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one integrated assembly. This approach reduces manufacturing and integration costs compared to assembling multiple discrete actuators separately.
3Ease of operation
If vibratory actuators are placed in front of the display, then haptic feedback is enhanced, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing actuators in front of the display where they would block the screen, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing actuators on the rear face of the touch panel plate. The vibrations are transmitted through the plate to the user's finger, providing enhanced haptic feedback without obstructing the display area.
4Device complexity
If a single vibratory actuator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to transmit complex information through differentiated vibrations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration generation capability into multiple independently controllable actuators on the rear face of the touch panel plate. Each actuator can produce distinct vibration patterns, enabling complex information transmission while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure that doesn't significantly increase device 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
This approach enables efficient integration of vibratory actuators in handheld devices, allowing for nuanced tactile feedback and information transmission, enhancing user interaction by independently vibrating different parts of the device in response to user input and environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
each multilayer structure comprising an element susceptible of vibrating when it is subjected to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an electrical signal having a frequency adapted to the resonance frequency of the part to which it is mechanically coupled
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling an object configured to be handheld and including vibratory actuators. The method including mechanically coupling a first group of at least one vibratory actuator to a first part of the object, mechanically coupling a second group of at least one vibratory actuator to a second part of the object, the first and the second parts being configured to be able to vibrate independently of each other, and to come into contact with different areas of the hand of the user holding the object, and transmitting to each group of actuators, an electrical signal having a frequency adapted to the resonance frequency of the part to which it is mechanically coupled.