Stamped Reinforcing Element for Perpendicular Haptic Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical reinforcing elements for haptic feedback in virtual buttons are costly due to low tolerances and numerous production steps, making them expensive and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical reinforcing element with two end regions and two angular regions, featuring a stiffening structure and a connecting portion, which is manufactured in one piece without material addition or removal, allowing for flexibility and stability through thinning and stiffening structures at specific joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mechanical reinforcing elements are manufactured with low tolerances and multiple production steps, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple production steps into a single stamping process. The mechanical reinforcing element is manufactured in one piece from a sheet material using stamping operations that simultaneously create the body, angular regions, connecting portions, and stiffening structures, eliminating the need for separate machining, assembly, or joining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stamping process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cuts the material to shape, forms the three-dimensional geometry, creates the stiffening structures through localized deformation, and produces the final functional component in a single operation, replacing multiple specialized manufacturing processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional mechanical reinforcing elements are manufactured with multiple production steps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from subtractive processes (machining, cutting) that remove material to a formative process (stamping) that deforms and shapes the material. This parameter change in the manufacturing method dramatically reduces material waste while maintaining dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.
3Strength
If mechanical reinforcing elements are made robust to withstand heavy loads, then strength and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating stiffening structures only in specific regions where they are needed for strength, rather than making the entire component uniformly thick or complex. The stamping process forms localized beads, folds, or raised areas in the angular regions and connecting portions that provide structural reinforcement exactly where load-bearing capacity is required.
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 provides a cost-effective, robust, and resource-efficient mechanical reinforcing element that can withstand heavy loads and efficiently convert horizontal movements into perpendicular movements for haptic feedback, suitable for applications in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical reinforcing element is configured such that when the end regions move relative to each other, the connecting portion performs a movement perpendicular thereto. Thus, the direction of movement of the expanding object is redirected to another direction of movement of the connecting portion perpendicular thereto.
Implementation Method 2
A stiffening structure can include any deformation of the reinforcing element that results in the mechanical reinforcing element becoming more stable, stiff, robust, and strong without adding or removing material. For example, stiffening structure means deformation on the edges by flanging and on the surface by embossing
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a mechanical reinforcing element includes two end regions, two angular regions, wherein the end regions are located at two opposite end faces of the reinforcing element, wherein each angular region connects to one of the end regions via a first joint, and wherein the angular regions have a stiffening structure, and a connecting portion interconnecting the two angular regions and connecting to the angular regions through second joints, wherein the mechanical reinforcing element is configured such that, upon a relative movement of the end regions with respect to each other, the connecting portion performs a movement perpendicular thereto.