Power Pack Vibration Counterweight for Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices face challenges in providing effective haptic feedback and vibration mechanisms, as traditional methods like loosely mounted display screens can lead to contamination risks and reduced durability in drop tests, while also occupying unnecessary space with separate counterweights.

Innovation Solution

The power pack within the portable electronic device is utilized as a vibration counterweight, with actuators, such as piezoelectric or electromagnets, moving the power pack relative to the housing to generate vibrations, thereby eliminating the need for a separate counterweight and maintaining a sealed, firmly mounted display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display screen is loosely mounted to allow vibration, then haptic feedback capability is improved, but contamination risk and durability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback capabilityVSAvoiddurability and sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the counterweight function with the power pack by positioning the power pack adjacent to the display screen assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate counterweight component while using the power pack's mass to provide the necessary counterbalancing force for haptic feedback, thereby maintaining device sealing and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power pack serves multiple functions: it provides power storage and simultaneously acts as a vibration counterweight for haptic feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and maintains the display screen's fixed mounting, preserving device sealing and contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate counterweight is added for vibration, then haptic feedback is improved, but device weight and volume are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic feedback capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight and volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the counterweight function with the power pack by positioning the power pack adjacent to the display screen assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate counterweight component, thereby reducing overall device weight and volume while maintaining haptic feedback capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power pack serves dual purposes: power storage and vibration counterweight. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve haptic feedback without adding extra weight or volume from dedicated counterweight components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the durability and sealing of the device during impacts, reduces contamination risks, and efficiently utilizes the power pack's mass as a counterweight, providing effective haptic feedback without adding extra weight or space, while maintaining strong performance in drop tests.

Implementation Method 1

piezo actuators are mounted on an underside of a display screen to vibrate the display screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

actuators, such as piezoelectric or electromagnets, moving the power pack relative to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2469826B1Apparatus for vibrating a portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2014.11.26 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2469826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2469826B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2469826B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A portable electronic device includes: a housing, a power pack received in the housing, and an actuator disposed between the power pack and a component of the portable electronic device, the component being in a fixed position relative to the housing, wherein the actuator imparts a force on the power pack to move the power pack relative to the housing.