Touch Panel Force Feedback DC/DC Converter Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch panel force feedback systems relying on commercial AC voltage are not suitable for portable devices, limiting their application and requiring high-voltage components, which increases size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit that generates a reference voltage and uses pulse modulation to control a DC/DC converter, allowing for the creation of a drive voltage for a mover without commercial AC voltage, enabling miniaturization and cost reduction by using low-voltage elements and allowing arbitrary drive voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If commercial AC voltage is used to generate drive voltage for the mover, then the force feedback function can be achieved, but the device cannot be used in portable equipments and requires high-voltage components increasing size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage generation approach from commercial AC voltage to DC voltage with pulse width modulation. By controlling the duty ratio of the pulse signal, the circuit can generate variable drive voltages without requiring high-voltage components, enabling portability while maintaining force feedback functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/commercial AC power supply system with an electronic DC-to-DC conversion system using pulse width modulation. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage components and commercial AC infrastructure, allowing the mover to be used in portable devices
2Reliability
If commercial AC voltage is used to drive the mover, then the force feedback can be generated, but high-voltage components are required increasing device size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameters from high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC with pulse modulation. The drive voltage is generated by controlling the duty ratio of pulses, which maintains the necessary voltage amplitude for force feedback while avoiding high-voltage components, thus reducing circuit size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pulse width modulation circuit as an intermediary between the DC power source and the mover. This intermediary generates the required drive voltage through pulse modulation without directly requiring high-voltage components, reducing the overall circuit size while maintaining force feedback reliability
3Ease of operation
If commercial AC voltage is used for the mover, then the pressing feeling can be provided, but the cost increases due to high-voltage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage generation method to use low-voltage DC with pulse width modulation, eliminating the need for expensive high-voltage components. The drive voltage is controlled by adjusting pulse duty ratio, maintaining the pressing feeling feedback experience while reducing manufacturing cost
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 generation of drive voltage for touch panel movers in portable devices without commercial AC voltage, reducing size and cost while allowing customizable vibration feedback, suitable for portable electronics like smartphones and laptops.
Implementation Method 1
A switching element of a DC/DC converter is turned ON/OFF by a pulse signal from a pulse modulator, so that an output voltage of the DC/DC voltage is controlled
Implementation Method 2
When voltage is applied to the mover in response to the pressing by the user, the mover vibrates, and a pressing feeling corresponding to the input operation is provided to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A driving apparatus drives a mover arranged for feedback of a touch panel. A reference voltage generation unit generates a reference voltage having a signal waveform to be applied to the mover. A pulse modulator generates a PWM signal of which duty ratio is controlled by feedback so that a feedback voltage corresponding to a drive voltage to be applied to the mover approaches the reference voltage. A switching element of the DC/DC converter is turned ON/OFF by a PWM signal from the pulse modulator, so that an output voltage of the DC/DC converter is controlled, and a drive voltage corresponding to the output voltage is applied to the mover.