Pressure-Sensing Tactile Feedback Module for Compact Mobile Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile feedback systems in mobile devices provide uniform feedback and have a short service life, with complex drive circuits and large space occupation, leading to a poor feedback experience.
Innovation Solution
A tactile feedback system comprising a pressing portion, a pressure sensor, and a tactile feedback vibrator, rigidly connected to form an integral module, which is flexibly connected to the device frame through an elastomer, allowing for customizable vibration feedback and reduced module volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button and snap dome configuration is used to achieve tactile feedback, then hand feeling is achieved through force feedback during deformation, but the feedback effect is uniform and the service life is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical snap dome with a pressure sensor that directly contacts the button. This substitution allows the button to maintain its mechanical deformation function while the pressure sensor provides customized tactile feedback through electronic signaling, thereby extending service life and enabling feedback customization simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it detects button pressing force, triggers vibration feedback, and enables customized feedback patterns. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both reliability (through durable sensing) and adaptability (through programmable feedback responses).
2Reliability
If one linear motor is provided under each button to provide tactile feedback, then tactile feedback is achieved, but large space is occupied and the drive circuit is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple linear motors into a single shared motor that serves all buttons. The pressure sensor detects which button is pressed and sends signals to the shared motor controller, which then activates the appropriate vibration pattern. This consolidation dramatically reduces space occupation and simplifies the drive circuit while maintaining effective tactile feedback for each button.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure sensor as an intermediary between the button and the linear motor. The sensor detects button presses and translates them into electronic signals that control the motor's vibration patterns. This intermediary enables precise control of tactile feedback without requiring dedicated motors for each button, thereby reducing complexity.
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 system provides a customizable and effective tactile feedback experience with reduced volume and improved durability, suitable for various application scenarios in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
the integral module is flexibly connected to the middle frame through an elastomer, and a deformation direction of the elastomer is consistent with a vibration direction of the tactile feedback vibrator
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor which is fixed on an inner side of the at least one pressing portion and is in one-to-one correspondence with the at least one pressing portion, and is configured to collect pressure parameters generated after the at least one pressing portion is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tactile feedback system for a terminal device. The tactile feedback system includes: at least one pressing portion which is disposed in the through hole and partially exposed out of the middle frame; at least one pressure sensor which is fixed on an inner side of the at least one pressing portion and is in one-to-one correspondence with the at least one pressing portion, and is configured to collect pressure parameters generated after the at least one pressing portion is pressed; and a tactile feedback vibrator configured to perform corresponding vibration feedback drive according to the pressure parameters collected by the at least one pressure sensor. Compared with the prior art, the tactile feedback system of the present disclosure can save installation space, adapt to multiple scenarios, and provide a good user experience.