Piezoelectric Input Panel Mounting for Force Sensing and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input panels for piezoelectric force sensing and haptic feedback face challenges in achieving uniform and firm mounting that supports piezoelectric measurements while allowing for independent haptic excitation, leading to poor force sensing performance and inadequate haptic response.
Innovation Solution
The assembly includes a support structure with mounting structures that provide firm and uniform support in one direction for piezoelectric force sensing and allow for haptic excitation in a different direction, using elastomeric members or springs to achieve varying compliance levels based on force direction, ensuring no inflexion points and enabling uniform piezoelectric signal response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the input panel is firmly mounted to the support structure, then piezoelectric force sensing performance is improved, but haptic feedback capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple mounting points distributed around the perimeter of the input panel. Each mounting point independently constrains the panel, collectively providing firm support for force sensing while allowing the panel to vibrate as a unified structure for haptic feedback. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing constraints rather than applying a single rigid mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure provides different mechanical properties at different locations and directions. At the mounting points around the perimeter, the structure is rigid to prevent inflexion points and ensure uniform piezoelectric response. Between mounting points, the panel maintains flexibility to allow vibration for haptic feedback. This local differentiation of stiffness resolves the contradiction between firm mounting and haptic capability.
2Measurement precision
If the mounting structure is rigid in all directions, then piezoelectric signal uniformity is improved, but haptic excitation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure exhibits asymmetric mechanical compliance: it is rigid in directions perpendicular to the panel surface (preventing inflexion points and ensuring signal uniformity) but compliant in lateral directions (allowing vibration for haptic excitation). This directional asymmetry resolves the contradiction by providing different mechanical properties along different axes.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from constraining the panel in all dimensions to constraining only in the vertical dimension (perpendicular to panel surface) while leaving lateral dimensions free for vibration. By selectively applying constraints in specific dimensional directions, the mounting structure achieves both uniform piezoelectric response and haptic excitation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mounting structures are added to provide haptic compliance, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but piezoelectric force sensing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates dynamic elements such as springs or elastomeric members that provide compliance for haptic feedback while maintaining sufficient rigidity for force sensing. These dynamic mounting elements can vibrate with the panel for haptic excitation but return to their neutral position to maintain consistent electrical contact and mechanical support for accurate piezoelectric measurements, resolving the contradiction between haptic compliance and sensing performance.
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 configuration ensures consistent piezoelectric signal uniformity and effective haptic feedback by providing sufficient displacement and compliance in specific directions, enhancing the overall performance of input panels for both force sensing and haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an input panel having an input surface and including a plurality of first electrodes separated from at least one second electrode by a layer of piezoelectric material
Implementation Method 2
using elastomeric members or springs to achieve varying compliance levels based on force direction
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a support structure, an input panel having an input surface and including a plurality of first electrodes separated from at least one second electrode by a layer of piezoelectric material, and one or more mounting structures mechanically coupling the input panel to the support structure. Each mounting structure is fixed to the input panel at one or more connection regions. The one or more mounting structures are configured such that: in response to unit force applied to the input panel along a first direction perpendicular to the input surface, the maximum displacement of any connection region relative to the support structure is less than or equal to a first displacement; and in response to unit force applied to the input panel along a second, different, direction, the maximum displacement of any connection region is greater than or equal to a second displacement which is at least five times the first displacement.