Touch Sensor Surface With Integrated Inductor Haptics and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch sensor systems lack effective integration of haptic feedback and pressure sensing capabilities within a thin, compact package, limiting their ability to provide real-time tactile responses to user inputs while maintaining device thickness.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a multi-layer inductor and magnetic elements within a substrate, which induces alternating magnetic coupling to oscillate the touch sensor surface, enabling haptic feedback and pressure sensing through a thin package by integrating the inductor into the substrate and magnetic elements into the device chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a multi-layer inductor is integrated into the substrate with magnetic elements in the chassis, then haptic feedback and pressure sensing capabilities are achieved within a thin package, but the device complexity increases due to the integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (haptic feedback, pressure sensing, and inductor) into a single integrated substrate structure. The multi-layer inductor is formed within the substrate itself, and magnetic elements are integrated into the chassis, merging previously separate components into a unified thin-package system that achieves multiple capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the structural base, contains the multi-layer inductor for haptic feedback, and integrates pressure sensing capabilities. The chassis similarly serves as both structural support and housing for magnetic elements, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device thickness while avoiding excessive complexity through purposeful design.
2Length of moving object
If the inductor is integrated into the substrate, then the package thickness is reduced, but the risk of fatigue or damage to the inductor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer substrate structure where the inductor is formed as integrated traces within the substrate layers. This distributed, planar configuration spreads mechanical stress across multiple layers rather than concentrating it in a single thick component, reducing fatigue risk while maintaining thin profile. The substrate acts as a flexible yet durable carrier that protects the integrated inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer substrate uses composite construction with multiple material layers (conductive traces, dielectric layers, protective coatings) that provide both mechanical strength and electrical functionality. This composite structure enhances the durability of the integrated inductor by distributing mechanical loads across different material properties, preventing fatigue while maintaining thin overall dimensions.
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 achieves real-time haptic feedback and pressure sensing capabilities within a thin package, enhancing user interaction by providing tactile responses to inputs while maintaining device thickness and reducing the risk of fatigue or damage to the inductor components.
Implementation Method 1
drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor 150 to induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor 150 and the first magnetic element 181 and oscillate the substrate 102 and the cover layer 170
Implementation Method 2
induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor 150 and the first magnetic element 181
Implementation Method 3
read a set of electrical values from the set of drive and sense electrode pairs 105; detect a first input on the touch sensor surface 172 based on the set of electrical values
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system includes a substrate including: a first layer including a first spiral trace coiled in a first direction; a second layer arranged below the first layer and including a second spiral trace coiled in a second direction and cooperating with the first spiral trace to form a multi-layer inductor; and a sensor layer including an array of drive and sense electrode pairs. The system also includes: a cover layer arranged over the substrate and defining a touch sensor surface; and a first magnetic element arranged below the substrate and defining a first polarity facing the multi-layer inductor. The system further includes a controller configured to drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to oscillate the substrate in response to detecting an input on the touch sensor surface based on electrical values from the set of drive and sense electrode pairs.