Reconfigurable Haptic Interface Assembly for Thin Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional information handling systems with mechanical key assemblies and touchpad switches have fixed positions, limiting flexibility and durability, as they are prone to mechanical failure and increased thickness, which affects user experience and device portability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable haptic interface assembly using piezoelectric elements and a capacitive touch layer across a coversheet, allowing for customizable configurations of keyboards, touchpads, and palm rests, eliminating mechanical components and providing haptic feedback without the need for scissor mechanisms, thus reducing thickness and enhancing robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical key assemblies and touchpad switches are used, then input detection is reliable, but device thickness increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key assemblies and touchpad switches with a capacitive touch layer that detects user input through electrical field changes rather than mechanical movement. This eliminates the need for thick mechanical structures while maintaining input detection functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin capacitive touch layer as a flexible sensing interface that provides reliable input detection without the bulk of mechanical components. This thin-film approach enables accurate touch detection while significantly reducing device thickness compared to traditional mechanical assemblies.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical key assemblies are used, then input detection is accurate, but mechanical failure occurs more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical key assemblies with a capacitive sensing system that detects input through electrical field changes rather than mechanical movement. This eliminates wear and tear associated with mechanical components while maintaining accurate input detection, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and mechanical durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed position keyboard and touchpad are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable haptic interface assembly where the keyboard and touchpad positions can be dynamically adjusted or reassigned based on user preferences or application requirements. This dynamic configuration capability maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptability to different user needs and usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional input interface where the same capacitive touch layer can serve multiple functions including keyboard input, touchpad gestures, and customizable hotkeys. This universal interface approach simplifies manufacturing while providing versatility for different user configurations and applications.
4Ease of operation
If piezoelectric elements are used across full palm rest, then haptic feedback is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates piezoelectric elements into the existing capacitive touch layer structure, allowing the same layer to provide both input detection and haptic feedback functions. This multi-functional approach enhances user interaction quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing structural components.
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 enables a thinner, more durable, and customizable input surface with reduced mechanical parts, improving user interaction and device portability by providing haptic feedback without mechanical wear, while maintaining efficient input detection and processing.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress
Implementation Method 2
send a haptic feedback control signal to the piezoelectric element to cause the piezoelectric element to provide a haptic feedback
Implementation Method 3
A reconfigurable haptic interface assembly using piezoelectric elements and a capacitive touch layer across a coversheet
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable haptic interface assembly of an information handling system may comprise a coversheet display layer displaying a key location of a haptic keyboard based on a modified configuration, a contact foil placed between the coversheet layer and a support layer, and a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and the support layer receiving an applied mechanical stress near the displayed key location, and transmitting a generated piezo actuation signal via the contact foil. A processor may receive the piezo actuation signal, identify x- and y-coordinate location data describing the displayed key location based, in part, on the piezo actuation signal, identify a keyboard scan code associated with the x- and y-coordinate location data, and send a haptic feedback response signal to the piezoelectric element to generate a haptic feedback at the key location and a digital display may display a key register event.