Piezoelectric Vibration Touch Sensor for Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch screen panels lack the ability to provide tactile feedback to users, making it difficult for individuals to discern touch location and intensity without additional mechanical devices.
Innovation Solution
A vibration touch sensor system utilizing a piezoelectric material layer between two electrodes, which generates an electrical signal upon touch and applies alternating current voltages to create localized vibrations, allowing users to feel tactile feedback without separate mechanical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional touch screen panels (resistive or capacitive) are used, then touch input recognition is achieved, but tactile feedback capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensing function and tactile feedback function into a single integrated structure. The piezoelectric material layer is formed between the first and second electrodes, allowing the same electrode structure to both detect touch inputs through capacitance change and generate tactile feedback through piezoelectric vibration, eliminating the need for separate mechanical feedback devices
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element for detecting touch input (through capacitance change) and the actuating element for providing tactile feedback (through piezoelectric material vibration). This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate systems
2Reliability
If piezoelectric material layer is added for tactile feedback, then tactile feedback capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric material is applied as a thin film layer between the electrodes, which can be deposited using standard thin-film fabrication techniques. This approach allows the piezoelectric layer to be integrated into the existing touch screen manufacturing process without requiring complex mechanical assembly or specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining conductive materials (electrodes) with piezoelectric material in a layered configuration. This composite approach allows each material to perform its specialized function while being manufactured using compatible deposition and fabrication techniques that can be integrated into existing production lines
3Ease of operation
If AC voltage is applied to electrodes for vibration generation, then tactile feedback is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies AC voltage with specific frequency ranges (20Hz-20kHz) to the electrodes only when tactile feedback is needed, rather than continuous DC voltage. This periodic application of voltage allows the piezoelectric material to vibrate and provide tactile feedback while consuming energy only during the feedback period, not continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the voltage parameters (applying AC voltage of specific frequencies and amplitudes) based on the touch input detected. The controller adjusts the voltage frequency and magnitude to match the touch intensity and location, providing appropriate tactile feedback while minimizing energy consumption by only activating when and where needed
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 the recognition of touch inputs and generation of tactile feedback, allowing users to sense touch location and intensity through vibrations, while also supporting multi-touch recognition and integration with liquid crystal display technology.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material layer disposed on one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the piezoelectric material layer generates an electrical signal in response to an external touch applied to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 2
contacting the first electrode and the second electrode to both ends of the piezoelectric material layer using the external touch and generating a vibration in a touched region using the first AC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration touch sensor includes; a first substrate, a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate with a predetermined gap therebetween, a first electrode disposed on the first substrate, a second electrode disposed on the second substrate, a piezoelectric material layer disposed on one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the piezoelectric material layer generates an electrical signal in response to an external touch applied to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a controller which receives the electrical signal generated from the piezoelectric material layer and generates a touch input signal, the controller controlling an alternating current voltage applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.