Piezoelectric Interface Waveform Scaling for Multi-Element Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver circuits for piezoelectric elements struggle to efficiently drive multiple elements simultaneously under varying conditions, such as different loads and environmental changes, leading to distorted voltage waveforms and inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A controller that scales voltage waveforms based on scaling information, received either in advance or dynamically, to adapt to different conditions, ensuring accurate and reliable generation of haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driver circuit is used to drive multiple piezoelectric elements simultaneously, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage waveform distortion occurs and user experience consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit dynamically adjusts its output characteristics based on the number of piezoelectric elements being driven. The circuit monitors load conditions and modifies voltage waveform parameters in real-time to maintain consistent haptic feedback quality across different operating scenarios, resolving the contradiction between driving multiple elements and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key parameters of the voltage waveform (amplitude, duration, rise time) based on the detected number of piezoelectric elements. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the driver circuit compensates for the increased capacitive load of multiple elements, preventing waveform distortion and maintaining user experience consistency while keeping a single driver circuit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the driver circuit is designed with sufficient power to drive the largest number of piezoelectric elements, then all elements can be driven simultaneously, but the driver circuit becomes overdimensioned and costly for smaller configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is designed with dynamic capability to adapt its power output to the actual number of connected piezoelectric elements. Rather than being statically overdimensioned, the circuit adjusts its operating parameters in real-time, allowing a single moderately-sized circuit to efficiently drive anywhere from one to multiple elements without waste or insufficient power.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit is designed to universally handle different numbers of piezoelectric elements through automatic detection and adaptation. A single driver circuit design serves multiple functions - driving 1 element, 2 elements, or more - by adjusting its output characteristics, eliminating the need for different sized circuits for different configurations.
3Reliability
If voltage boosting capability is added to the driver circuit to achieve full amplitude voltage waveform, then haptic feedback quality improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter is designed to provide partial voltage boosting capability - sufficient to achieve the necessary voltage amplitude for high-quality haptic feedback in most cases, but not excessively overdimensioned. The circuit provides just enough voltage amplification needed for the connected piezoelectric elements, avoiding unnecessary complexity from excessive voltage boosting capacity.
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
The solution allows flexible and efficient driving of piezoelectric elements, maintaining consistent haptic feedback quality despite varying loads and environmental changes, without overdimensioning components.
Implementation Method 1
The first-mentioned involves sensing a voltage that the piezoelectric element generates in response to mechanical deformation
Implementation Method 2
the latter involves applying a voltage waveform to the piezoelectric element that temporarily deforms it mechanically, causing a corresponding elastic movement in the surrounding structures
Data Source
AI summary
Piezoelectric user interface arrangement comprises a voltage converter for controllably generating voltage waveforms driving one or more piezoelectric elements. The voltage converter has a control input. A controller is coupled to said control input to control an output voltage of said voltage converter. The controller has one or more scaling inputs. The controller forms said control signals to make said output voltage follow a target waveform as a function of time. The controller is configured to scale said target waveform on the basis of scaling information received through said one or more scaling inputs.