Spring-Mounted Trackpad Haptics for Wider Feedback Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld controllers provide limited types of haptic feedback due to their narrow working frequency band, restricting the variety and richness of haptic experiences.
Innovation Solution
A broadband haptic system is implemented in handheld controllers, featuring a spring-mounted control with a resonant frequency different from the haptic actuator, widening the frequency band by combining a single-resonance haptic actuator with a spring-mounted control to create a broadband haptic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-resonance haptic actuator is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the working frequency band is narrow and haptic feedback variety is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a single-resonance haptic actuator with a spring-mounted control mechanism to create a broadband haptic system. The spring-mounted control has a different resonant frequency than the actuator, and when combined, they produce a wider working frequency band that enables diverse haptic feedback types while maintaining device simplicity and cost-effectiveness
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-resonance haptic actuator is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the frequency band width is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a cost-effective single-resonance haptic actuator with a spring-mounted control mechanism. This combination extends the frequency band width without increasing manufacturing complexity, as the spring mechanism is a simple, inexpensive component that naturally provides additional resonant frequencies when coupled with the actuator
3Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband haptic system is implemented, then haptic feedback variety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-mounted control mechanism serves dual purposes: it provides the control function and simultaneously acts as a resonant element that broadens the haptic frequency band. This self-service approach enables broadband haptic feedback without adding dedicated complexity, as the existing control structure performs the additional haptic function
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 a wider variety of haptic feedback types, including sharp ticks to long vibrations, enhancing user experience while being cost-effective by using a single-resonance haptic actuator, and offering more design flexibility to manufacturers.
Implementation Method 1
a haptic actuator for providing haptic feedback to a user of the controller. 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
Implementation Method 2
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.