Sealed Piezoelectric Haptic Layer Structure for Contamination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices for providing haptic effects face challenges in maintaining reliability and sealing, as contamination can hinder the operation of haptic elements and capacitive sensors, leading to compromised performance and sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered device structure comprising a first layer, a second layer, and intermediate layers with integrated haptic elements, seal elements, and adhesive elements, where the seal elements are made of materials like polyurethane or silicone rubber, providing effective sealing and protection against contamination while allowing for movement and maintaining haptic effect quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seal elements are added to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element is integrated within the intermediate layer structure, nesting the sealing function within the existing multi-layer architecture. The seal element is positioned between the first and second layers, utilizing the intermediate layer space to provide sealing without adding external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate layer serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the haptic element, and contains the seal element for contamination prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sealing components, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If seal elements are made thicker to improve sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but haptic effect quality is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidhaptic effect quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element is positioned only at specific locations where contamination prevention is critical, rather than uniformly throughout the entire intermediate layer. This localized sealing approach provides effective protection while maintaining the precision and quality of the haptic element's operational area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal element is designed as a thin, flexible component that provides effective sealing without adding significant thickness to the intermediate layer. This thin-film sealing approach prevents contamination while preserving the haptic element's performance and the overall device precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enhances the reliability and sealing of electronic devices, preventing contamination and ensuring consistent haptic feedback and touch detection, thereby improving the uniformity and strength of haptic effects and sensitivity of touch detection.

Implementation Method 1

a haptic element comprising at least one piezoelectric transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one seal element positioned on at least one side of the haptic element, and wherein the at least one seal element is configured to seal at least the haptic element between the first layer and the second layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4276585A1A haptic effect device
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 AITO
  • EP4276585A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4276585A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4276585A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A device comprises: a first layer; a second layer; and at least one intermediate layer between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the at least one intermediate layer comprises: a haptic element comprising at least one piezoelectric transducer; at least one seal element positioned on at least one side of the haptic element, and wherein the at least one seal element is configured to seal at least the haptic element between the first layer and the second layer at least on the one side.