Sidewall Touch and Haptic Components for Wireless Device Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in intuitively communicating with external devices, particularly in establishing wireless connections and selecting the appropriate device, due to cumbersome interaction methods and the need for precise alignment, which can be complicated by multiple devices in range.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating touch input components and haptic output components along the sidewalls of electronic devices, which provide localized and global haptic feedback to guide users in aligning the device with external devices and control them intuitively, using wireless circuitry to determine device location and capabilities, and controlling input-output functions based on touch force and device alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touch-sensitive displays are used to help a user communicate with other electronic devices, then the user can interact with the display, but the interaction is not always intuitive for the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitiveness of user interactionVSAvoidcomplexity of interaction method

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or display-based interaction with haptic feedback. Haptic output components provide tactile sensations (vibrations, pulses, resistance) that intuitively guide users during device pairing and connection, substituting complex visual/display interactions with simple tactile cues that are more intuitive and require less cognitive load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the user has to take several steps to control or otherwise communicate with an external device, then the communication process is established, but the process is cumbersome for the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of device communicationVSAvoidcumbersomeness of interaction process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by using haptic feedback to guide users through the device pairing process step-by-step. The haptic output components provide preemptive tactile cues that inform users what action to take next (e.g., vibration patterns indicating to tap a button, pulse patterns indicating connection status), eliminating the need for users to figure out the multi-step process on their own and reducing the perceived cumbersomeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs continuous haptic feedback during the device communication process. Haptic output components provide real-time tactile responses that confirm each step's completion and guide the next action, creating an intuitive feedback loop that simplifies the multi-step communication process and improves overall user efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the user may not know when the external device is sufficiently close to establish a short-range wireless communications link, then wireless communication can be established, but the user lacks awareness of device proximity and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awareness of device locationVSAvoidease of device alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses haptic feedback to provide real-time information about device proximity and alignment status. Haptic output components generate specific vibration or pulse patterns that inform users when an external device is detected, when it is within range, and when proper alignment is achieved, eliminating the information gap and making the wireless connection process more transparent and easier to control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If there may be multiple devices within range, making it challenging to select the appropriate external device, then wireless communication can occur, but device selection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to communicate with multiple devicesVSAvoiddifficulty of device selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using haptic feedback specific to each detected device's location and characteristics. Haptic output components provide differentiated tactile cues (varying vibration patterns, pulse frequencies, or intensity levels) that correspond to different external devices within range, allowing users to intuitively distinguish between devices and select the appropriate one based on tactile feedback rather than visual lists or complex menus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12591311B2Electronic devices with touch input components and haptic output components

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device may include touch input components and associated haptic output components. The control circuitry may provide haptic output in response to touch input on the touch input components and may send wireless signals to the external electronic device based on the touch input. The haptic output components may provide local and global haptic output. Local haptic output may be used to guide a user to the location of the electronic device or to provide a button click sensation to the user in response to touch input. Global haptic output may be used to notify the user that the electronic device is aligned towards the external electronic device and is ready to receive user input to control or communicate with the external electronic device. Control circuitry may switch a haptic output component into an inactive mode to inform the user that a touch input component is inactive.