Sidewall Switch Flap Structure for Low-Force Haptic Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piezoelectric actuators in electronic devices face challenges due to the stiff mechanical structure of smartphones and tablets, requiring high force to trigger a response and failing to effectively transmit vibrations to the user.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a frame with micro-slits and a flexible flap or strip that deflects into the frame, allowing a piezoelectric transducer to sense deflection and provide haptic feedback, while maintaining a seamless user interface and watertight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a piezoelectric transducer is used to replace mechanical buttons in a stiff frame, then the device achieves a seamless appearance and integrated design, but the force required to trigger the transducer becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sidewall into segments by introducing micro-slits, creating a flexible flap portion that can deflect independently from the rigid frame. This segmentation allows the piezoelectric transducer to be triggered with lower force while maintaining the overall structural integrity and seamless appearance of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific flexible region (flap) with different mechanical properties than the rest of the frame. The micro-slits are strategically positioned to create a localized flexible area that requires lower activation force, while the remaining frame maintains its rigid, seamless structure.
2Strength
If a piezoelectric actuator is used for haptic feedback in a stiff frame, then the device maintains structural integrity, but the vibration is not effectively transmitted to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the flexible flap as an intermediary element between the piezoelectric actuator and the user's finger. This mediator efficiently transmits vibrational energy from the actuator to the user while allowing the main frame to maintain its structural integrity and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible flap (thin film structure) created by micro-slits to transmit haptic feedback. This flexible structure effectively couples the piezoelectric actuator's vibrations to the user's finger, solving the problem of poor vibration transmission in stiff frames.
3Force
If micro-slits are introduced in the sidewall to create a flexible flap, then the force required to trigger the transducer is reduced, but the device's watertight seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic flexible flap that can deflect and return to its original position. The micro-slits are designed to allow controlled flexibility for transducer activation while the flap's elastic properties ensure it returns to seal the opening, maintaining the watertight seal when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the flap with inherent elastic properties that provide a restoring force, cushioning against potential seal failures. The flap's flexibility and elasticity are engineered to maintain contact and seal the micro-slit openings, preventing water ingress while allowing transducer activation.
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
Enables a seamless user interface and effective haptic feedback with reduced force requirements, ensuring the electronic device remains watertight and functional.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric effect is a reversible process, whereby when a force is applied to a piezoelectric material, an electrical charge is generated
Implementation Method 2
The reverse piezoelectric effect has the opposite result. When applying a voltage to a piezoelectric material, a mechanical strain is generated in the piezoelectric material
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical micro-switches, such as the power button, and the volume up and down buttons, in the sidewalls of a smart device's frame remain the weak points in terms of reliability. To overcome this shortcoming a transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer is placed against the sidewall, and at least one micro-slit is configured in the sidewall forming a flap deflectable into the frame. The micro-slits and the flap enable a displacement in a portion of the sidewall in an otherwise very stiff frame that is large enough to be detected by the transducer when a force is applied by the user and a displacement large enough to be sensed by the user, but not too large so as to risk damage of the transducer or other electronic components inside the frame.