Spring-Mounted Trackpad Haptics for a Broader Frequency Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld controllers provide limited types of haptic feedback due to a narrow working frequency band of their haptic systems, restricting the variety and richness of haptic experiences.
Innovation Solution
A broadband haptic system is implemented in handheld controllers, utilizing a spring-mounted control with a resonant frequency different from the haptic actuator, broadening the working frequency band by combining a single-resonance haptic actuator with a suspended control, allowing for a wider range of haptic feedback types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-resonance haptic actuator is used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing costs are lowered, but the working frequency band becomes narrow and haptic feedback variety is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a single-resonance haptic actuator with a spring-mounted control that has a different resonant frequency. This merging of two resonant systems creates a broadband haptic system that provides diverse haptic feedback types while maintaining simplicity and using a single actuator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband haptic system with spring-mounted control is implemented, then the working frequency band is broadened and haptic feedback variety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-mounted control serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary mechanical suspension for the control element and simultaneously acts as a resonant system that broadens the haptic frequency band. This self-service approach broadens functionality without adding separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the resonant frequency of the control is separated from the haptic actuator, then the working frequency band is broadened, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resonant frequency parameter of the control system by introducing a spring-mounted configuration. This parameter change separates the control's resonant frequency from the actuator's resonant frequency, broadening the working frequency band while using standard manufacturing tolerances.
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 broadband haptic system provides enhanced haptic experiences with a variety of feedback types, including sharp ticks and long vibrations, offering more creative freedom and flexibility to haptics engineers while potentially reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that is mounted to a housing of the controller, the spring being configured to deflect bidirectionally in response to a vibration of the haptic actuator. The control with the haptic actuator may further include a spring that is mounted to a housing of the controller, the spring being configured to deflect bidirectionally in response to a vibration of the haptic actuator. As described in more detail below, this spring-mounted control has a resonant frequency that is different than the resonant frequency of the haptic actuator itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a broadband haptic system for a controller of a controller system to provide enhanced haptic functionality. A control, such as a trackpad, of the controller may include a cover, a circuit board disposed behind the cover and coupled to the cover, a haptic actuator mounted to the circuit board, and a spring disposed behind the cover, the spring being coupled to the cover and mounted to a housing of the controller. The haptic actuator is configured to vibrate and the spring is configured to deflect bidirectionally in response to a vibration of the haptic actuator. Furthermore, the haptic actuator has a first resonant frequency, and the control has a second resonant frequency different than the first resonant frequency to provide a broadband haptic system for the controller.