Piezoelectric Input-Output Unit With Alternating Touch and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices using piezoelectric materials for input-output functions are prone to increased size due to the need for multiple elements, such as capacitive sensors and actuators, which complicates miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric unit that includes a piezoelectric element, an output part, an input part, and a control part, where the output and input functions are alternated using oscillation circuits to generate periodic signals, allowing for the combination of waveforms to drive the piezoelectric element, thereby reducing the number of elements required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elements (capacitive sensor and piezoelectric actuator) are used to achieve input-output functionality, then the input-output function is maintained, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitive sensor and piezoelectric actuator into a single integrated element. The piezoelectric element serves dual purposes: it acts as a sensor detecting contact force through capacitance changes and as an actuator generating vibration through piezoelectric effect, thereby reducing device size while maintaining input-output functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it detects touch input through capacitance variation and generates haptic output through piezoelectric actuation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensor and actuator components, achieving miniaturization
2Quantity of substance
If output and input functions are alternated using oscillation circuits, then the quantity of elements is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses oscillation circuits to periodically alternate between output mode (applying voltage to generate vibration) and input mode (measuring voltage to detect touch). This periodic switching enables a single piezoelectric element to perform both sensor and actuator functions, reducing element quantity while managing complexity through rhythmic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches the piezoelectric element between different operational modes - sometimes functioning as an actuator and sometimes as a sensor. This dynamic reconfiguration allows one element to replace multiple static components, reducing overall system complexity despite temporary increases in control logic
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 enables miniaturization of the device by reducing the quantity of elements needed, while maintaining effective input-output functionality, and enhances sensitivity to human skin sensations by optimizing frequency differences in the oscillated signals.
Implementation Method 1
an input part receiving an input of voltage generated by the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
an output part performing an output vibrating the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric unit includes a piezoelectric element, an output part, an input part, and a control part. The output part performs an output vibrating the piezoelectric element. The input part receives an input of a voltage generated by the piezoelectric element. The control part performs switching such that the output performed by the output part and the input performed by the input part alternate with each other. An input-output device includes a housing that accommodates the piezoelectric unit, and a contact part arranged on an outer surface of the housing. The contact part outputs vibration caused by the piezoelectric element and transmits an input resulting from contact from outside to the piezoelectric element.