Press Detector With Piezoelectric Element For Thin Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices that provide haptic feedback struggle to offer a varied and effective tactile sensation, particularly in detecting presses, as they often require specific configurations that are limited by the placement of press detectors and actuators, which can increase device thickness and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a press detector comprising a piezoelectric element and a plate member, where the press detector is positioned on the side of the panel, allowing it to detect a press in a direction different from the panel's press direction, using elastic members to facilitate displacement and provide a tactile sensation by bending in the transverse direction, thus reducing thickness and increasing configuration variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the press detector and actuator are placed on the panel to provide haptic feedback, then tactile sensation is achieved, but device thickness and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile sensationVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The press detector is designed to perform dual functions: detecting press inputs and providing haptic feedback through elastic members. By making the press detector multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate actuators, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining tactile feedback capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The press detector uses its own structure (elastic members) to provide haptic feedback without requiring external actuators. The elastic members naturally return to their original state after deformation, generating tactile sensation automatically, which reduces overall device complexity and thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the press detector is positioned on the panel side to detect presses, then detection capability is achieved, but configuration flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress detectionVSAvoidconfiguration variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent detects presses in a direction different from the panel's press direction by utilizing the lateral displacement of elastic members. This dimensional transformation allows the press detector to be positioned on the panel side while maintaining detection accuracy and improving configuration flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from direct vertical press detection to lateral displacement detection of elastic members. This parameter transformation enables the press detector to achieve both accurate press detection and greater configuration variability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If additional actuators are added to provide tactile feedback, then haptic sensation is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The press detector is designed to perform dual functions: detecting press inputs and providing haptic feedback through elastic members. By making the press detector multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate actuators, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining tactile feedback capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the detection function and haptic feedback function into a single press detector assembly. The elastic members serve both as detection elements and feedback providers, combining multiple functions into one structure to reduce overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient detection of presses and provision of a tactile sensation across the panel surface, enhancing user experience with a more uniform tactile feedback without the need for additional actuators, while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a press detector comprising a piezoelectric element and a plate member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

using elastic members to facilitate displacement and provide a tactile sensation by bending in the transverse direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3379390B1Electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3379390B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379390B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379390B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

An electronic device includes a panel and a press detector configured to detect a press. The press detector detects the press on the basis of a force in a direction different from the press direction of the panel.