Touch Input Surface with Rotating Carriage for Stable Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch-sensitive input devices with haptic feedback are not optimal as they can convey an unsteady perception to users due to tilting or instability when tapped.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive input device with a stiff and robust design, where the input surface is movably disposed on a carriage that can rotate about a perpendicular axis, equipped with pressure sensors to detect forces and produce haptic feedback without tilting, using an electromechanical actuator for controlled movement and non-displacement sensors like strain gauges for accurate force detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the input surface is made stiff and robust to improve quality perception, then the haptic feedback quality is improved, but the ability to detect user inputs through tilting movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A carriage is introduced as an intermediary component between the input surface and the support structure. The carriage can rotate about a rotation axis and carries the pressure sensor, enabling force detection without requiring the input surface itself to tilt or deform significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection mechanism is replaced from direct tilting detection to pressure sensing. Instead of detecting tilting movements of the input surface, a pressure sensor mounted on the carriage detects forces perpendicular to the input surface, eliminating the need for the input surface to be flexible or tiltable.
2Ease of operation
If the input surface is made movable to produce haptic feedback, then the haptic feedback capability is improved, but the stability and robustness perception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the input surface remains fixed and stable, while the carriage with pressure sensor and actuator assembly is separated as a movable unit. This segmentation allows the input surface to maintain its stable, robust appearance while the actuator produces haptic feedback through controlled movement of the carriage assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage acts as an intermediary that decouples the input surface from the actuator mechanism. The input surface stays stationary and stable, while the carriage moves to produce haptic feedback, eliminating the perception of instability that would occur if the input surface itself had to move.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to detect force perpendicular to the input surface, then the measurement precision of user input is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage serves multiple functions: it supports the pressure sensor for force detection, provides a mounting platform for the actuator, and acts as a lever arm to amplify small forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the enhanced measurement precision.
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 device provides a high-quality haptic feedback experience by detecting and responding to user inputs with a 'click' sensation, ensuring the input surface feels stable and robust, enhancing user interaction with precise force detection and reduced wear on sensors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor or force sensor, which in the form of a non-displacement sensor, in particular in the form of a strain gauge, is disposed on the carriage
Implementation Method 2
an electromechanical actuator for moving the input surface back and forth along its axis of motion, thereby producing the haptically detectable feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Input device has a touch sensitive input surface with a sensor for detecting the position of an object touching the input surface, an interface for transferring sensor data and a device for producing haptically detectable feedback, which is designed to move the input surface, which is mounted so as to be movable along an axis.