Piezoelectric Haptic Control Element With Integrated Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in providing effective haptic feedback with small space requirements, as conventional methods require multiple components and seals, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact arrangement using a piezoelectric actuator integrated under a mechanically deformable control element, such as a housing wall, which generates vibrations for haptic feedback, also serving as a sensor to detect actuation, thereby reducing the need for separate components and seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional vibration-generating components (unbalanced motors or linear resonators) are used, then haptic feedback can be generated, but the footprint and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical vibration-generating components (unbalanced motors, linear resonators) with a piezoelectric actuator that utilizes the piezoelectric effect to generate vibrations. This substitution dramatically reduces the component footprint while maintaining haptic feedback performance, as piezoelectric actuators can generate precise vibrations in micrometer ranges with millisecond response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using piezoelectric materials that respond to electrical fields with mechanical deformation. By varying the frequency and voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator, the amplitude and frequency of vibrations can be precisely controlled, enabling different haptic signals to be generated from a compact component.
2Device complexity
If separate components are used for haptic generation and control detection, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-function component where the piezoelectric actuator serves both as the haptic signal generator and as the sensor for detecting control element activation. When the control element is pressed, the piezoelectric material generates an electrical signal that can be read to detect the activation, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuator and sensor functions into a single integrated component. The piezoelectric actuator is positioned below the control element and can both generate vibrations for haptic feedback and detect the control element's activation through electrical signals generated during pressing, thereby reducing component count and eliminating seals.
3Force
If the housing wall is made more deformable for better haptic transmission, then haptic signal strength improves, but structural integrity in other regions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the specific region of the housing wall where the control element is located more mechanically deformable, while other regions maintain their original structural integrity. This localized deformability allows strong haptic signal transmission at the control element position without compromising the overall strength of the housing structure.
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 solution enables precise and strong haptic signal generation with minimal space, enhancing user experience while simplifying device production by eliminating the need for seals and separate components, and allowing for gesture recognition.
Implementation Method 1
the component has a piezoelectric actuator and is arranged below the control element and is designed to generate a vibration at the control element
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric actuator can be designed to deform upon activation of the control element, thereby detecting this activation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic device, comprising an operating element (2) and a component (1) for generating a haptic signal, comprising a piezoelectric actuator (11), wherein the component (1) is arranged below the operating element (2) and is designed to generate a vibration on the operating element (2).