Touch Interface Force Sensing With Integrated Electromagnetic Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensor systems struggle to effectively detect touch inputs and interpret force magnitudes while providing haptic feedback in a compact and cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor system comprising a set of touch layers, inductor layers, a magnetic element, and a controller that detects touch inputs, interprets force magnitudes, and generates haptic feedback by driving an oscillating voltage across a multi-layer inductor to induce magnetic coupling with a magnetic element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-layer inductor design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer inductor design to a multi-layer inductor architecture. By stacking multiple inductor layers vertically, the design achieves higher inductance values and better performance while maintaining a compact footprint. This dimensional transition from 2D to 3D space allows the system to meet performance requirements without proportionally increasing weight or complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer inductor structure nests multiple inductor elements within each other in the vertical dimension. Each layer is positioned above the previous layer, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization. This nesting approach allows the system to achieve the required inductance through multiple smaller layers rather than one large single layer, thereby controlling overall device weight
2Reliability
If multi-layer inductor with magnetic elements is used, then haptic feedback effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated multi-layer structure. The inductor layers are merged with magnetic element layers in a stacked configuration, where conductive traces on certain layers form inductors and magnetic elements are positioned on adjacent layers. This merging of functions (inductance generation and magnetic coupling) into a single integrated structure achieves effective haptic feedback while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer inductor structure serves multiple functions simultaneously. The same layered structure provides both the inductance required for electromagnetic operation and the magnetic coupling pathway for haptic feedback generation. By designing the structure to fulfill multiple roles (inductor, magnetic coupling medium, and haptic actuator interface), the system achieves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If conventional touch sensor design is used, then detection capability is limited, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances touch detection capability by transitioning to a multi-layer sensor architecture. Multiple sensor layers are stacked vertically, each layer contributing to the overall detection capability. This dimensional transition allows the system to achieve higher measurement precision through the combined signal from multiple layers without requiring a proportional increase in system cost, as the additional layers are integrated into the existing manufacturing process
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 system efficiently detects touch inputs and force magnitudes, and provides effective haptic feedback, while conserving costs and weight by using a multi-layer inductor and magnetic elements to oscillate the touch sensor surface.
Implementation Method 1
drive an oscillating voltage across a multi-layer inductor to induce magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and a magnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a touch sensor system includes a set of touch layers: spanning a first area; and including a set of electrodes. The system further includes a set of inductor layers: arranged below the set of touch layers; spanning a second area less than the first area; and including a set of spiral traces defining an inductor. The system also includes a magnetic element arranged below the set of inductor layers and defining a first polarity facing the inductor. The system further includes a controller configured to: read a set of electrical values from the set of electrodes; interpret a force magnitude of a touch input based on the set of electrical values; and in response to the force magnitude exceeding a force magnitude, drive an oscillating voltage across the inductor to induce alternating magnetic coupling between the inductor and the magnetic element.