Printed Piezoelectric Haptic Structures for Compact Touch Interfaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) electronic devices lack a human 'feel sense' or haptic feedback mechanism, necessitating additional standalone devices for audio or vibration feedback, which adds complexity, weight, and size.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a piezoelectric polymer and a binder, suitable for printing, is used to form a haptic component integrated with capacitive or resistive touch switches, enabling flexible and compact haptic feedback without additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional standalone devices (speakers, motors) are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but device complexity, weight, and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the haptic feedback function with the existing touch switch structure by integrating a piezoelectric element directly into the touch sensor assembly. This allows the touch switch to provide both touch detection and haptic feedback (vibration or tactile response) through the same integrated component, eliminating the need for separate standalone haptic devices and thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: touch detection, signal processing, and haptic feedback generation. The piezoelectric element serves dual purposes by both sensing touch input and generating tactile output, making the system more versatile and reducing the total component count needed for full HMI functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional standalone devices (speakers, motors) are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the haptic feedback function with the existing touch switch structure by integrating a piezoelectric element directly into the touch sensor assembly. This allows the touch switch to provide both touch detection and haptic feedback (vibration or tactile response) through the same integrated component, eliminating the need for separate standalone haptic devices and thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: touch detection, signal processing, and haptic feedback generation. The piezoelectric element serves dual purposes by both sensing touch input and generating tactile output, making the system more versatile and reducing the total component count needed for full HMI functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional standalone devices (speakers, motors) are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the haptic feedback function with the existing touch switch structure by integrating a piezoelectric element directly into the touch sensor assembly. This allows the touch switch to provide both touch detection and haptic feedback (vibration or tactile response) through the same integrated component, eliminating the need for separate standalone haptic devices and thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric element is nested within or integrated into the existing touch switch structure, allowing the haptic feedback mechanism to occupy the same spatial envelope as the touch sensor rather than requiring additional external space. This nested integration significantly reduces the overall device volume while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 composition allows for the simplified manufacture of HMI devices with integrated haptic feedback, reducing size and weight while maintaining functionality, and can be processed at low temperatures to avoid substrate damage.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric polymer... generates a mechanical force in response to an applied electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

electric charge accumulates in response to an applied mechanical stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250205961A1Formable and flexible haptics materials and structures

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 ALPHA ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A composition comprising: a piezoelectric polymer, and a binder. The composition may be printed to form a haptic component during a method of forming an electronic device.