Touch Panel Actuator Integration in Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch panel devices for portable communication devices require a separate mounting space for actuators providing haptic feedback, which increases the device thickness and compromises slimness and compactness, as well as visibility.
Innovation Solution
A touch panel device design that integrates an actuator for vibration within a support portion without a separate mounting space, using a reinforcing portion and a support portion with an opening to direct vibration to the front cover while minimizing rear surface impact, allowing for slimness and improved haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate mounting space is provided for the actuator, then the haptic function is achieved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated into the support portion structure, merging the actuator mounting function with the existing support portion. This eliminates the need for a separate mounting space while maintaining the haptic feedback function, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving haptic function and maintaining device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounts the actuator, and directs vibration through the opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate spaces for each function, resolving the thickness issue while maintaining haptic capability.
2Reliability
If the actuator is mounted with a spacer, then the haptic feedback is delivered, but the visibility of the display unit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mounting is merged with the support portion structure, eliminating the need for a separate spacer. This integration allows the actuator to be positioned without occupying additional space that would block the display area, thus maintaining display visibility while delivering haptic feedback.
3Reliability
If the actuator space is increased, then the vibration delivery is improved, but the device compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion utilizes the vertical dimension with its opening structure to direct vibration efficiently. This dimensional approach allows effective vibration delivery without requiring increased horizontal space, thereby maintaining device compactness while improving vibration delivery 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
Enables the delivery of haptic feedback without increasing the device thickness, enhancing user experience with improved tactile feedback and impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator 11 for delivering vibration to the front cover portion 2
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel device in which a support portion is provided to include an actuator for generating vibration giving an excellent sense of touch without the need for a separate mounting space. To this end, the touch panel device having a front cover portion, a touch sensor unit divided into an upper transparent electrode layer and a lower transparent electrode layer, and a substrate provided under the touch sensor portion includes an actuator for delivering vibration to the front cover portion, a reinforcing portion having the actuator attached thereto to attach the actuator to the touch sensor unit, and a support portion formed on the substrate to provide an opening in a first side thereof and a closed second side, such that the actuator is inserted into and coupled to the opening and the support portion supports the actuator to deliver the vibration of the actuator to the front cover portion.