Touch Interface With Integrated Force Sensing and Magnetic Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors lack efficient integration of force detection and haptic feedback, leading to increased weight and cost due to separate components for touch and force sensing, and limited magnetic coupling for haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer inductor system integrated within a substrate, comprising touch and force sensors, that magnetically couples with a magnetic element to induce oscillations for haptic feedback, reducing weight and cost by sharing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for touch sensing and force sensing, then sensing functionality is achieved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch sensing electrodes and force sensing electrodes into a single integrated sensor array structure. The touch sensors and force sensors share the same substrate and are fabricated using the same manufacturing processes, merging two previously separate component systems into one unified device that reduces overall weight and component count while maintaining both sensing functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects both touch inputs (capacitive sensing) and force inputs (resistive sensing) across the same surface area. The controller can independently or simultaneously process both touch and force sensing data from the shared electrode structure, enabling multi-functional operation from a single component system
2Reliability
If separate components are used for touch sensing and force sensing, then sensing functionality is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch sensing electrodes and force sensing electrodes into a single integrated sensor array structure. The touch sensors and force sensors share the same substrate and are fabricated using the same manufacturing processes, merging two previously separate component systems into one unified device that reduces overall weight and component count while maintaining both sensing functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects both touch inputs (capacitive sensing) and force inputs (resistive sensing) across the same surface area. The controller can independently or simultaneously process both touch and force sensing data from the shared electrode structure, enabling multi-functional operation from a single component system
3Power
If traditional inductor systems are used for haptic feedback, then magnetic coupling is achieved, but magnetic coupling efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar inductor designs to a three-dimensional stacked inductor configuration where multiple inductor layers are positioned at different vertical levels. This vertical stacking arrangement increases the effective surface area for magnetic coupling between the inductor and magnetic element, enhancing magnetic field interaction efficiency and improving haptic feedback effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite magnetic element structure comprising multiple magnetic layers with alternating polarities arranged in a stacked configuration. This composite structure enhances magnetic coupling efficiency by creating multiple interaction interfaces between the inductor and magnetic element, thereby improving the overall magnetic field interaction and haptic feedback performance
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 integrates force detection and haptic feedback, reducing weight and cost while enhancing magnetic coupling for effective oscillation, thus improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
magnetically couples with a magnetic element to induce oscillations for haptic feedback
Implementation Method 2
induce oscillations for haptic feedback
Implementation Method 3
drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the magnetic element, thereby oscillating the substrate
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.