Touch Panel Support Structure for Lateral Haptic Response Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices fail to effectively apply response forces to users in directions other than the pressing direction, leading to attenuated vibration and reduced tactile feedback, especially when the touch panel is moved in the X or Y direction.
Innovation Solution
The operating device incorporates a supporting mechanical section that allows the operating unit to be movable in both the front-rear and left-right directions, with a response force applying mechanism that generates a response force in the left-right direction, using a connecting shaft section and elastic members with different deformation characteristics to ensure firm support and efficient force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the touch panel is movable in X and Y directions with elastic members, then the support rigidity increases, but the vibration attenuation increases and tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different elastic moduli to different elastic members based on their functional requirements. The first elastic member (interposed between upper housing and touch panel) has a lower elastic modulus to allow vibration and provide tactile feedback, while the second elastic member (interposed between touch panel and lower housing) has a higher elastic modulus to provide structural support and stability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between rigidity and vibration attenuation.
2Force
If a response force is applied in the pressing direction (Z direction), then the force can be applied along the pressing direction, but the tactile feedback cannot be effectively provided to the user's finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the direction of response force application from the Z direction (pressing direction) to the X direction (lateral direction). The response force applying mechanism applies force in the X direction, which is orthogonal to the pressing direction. This dimensional change allows the response force to be effectively transmitted to the user's finger, providing clear tactile feedback while maintaining the ability to apply sufficient force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first elastic member has high rigidity to support the connecting shaft, then the support stability improves, but the ease of movement in lateral direction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides support from both sides of the connecting shaft using first elastic members, creating symmetric local support structures. This bilateral support configuration stabilizes the connecting shaft in the lateral direction while maintaining ease of movement by distributing the support load evenly. The local quality of support from both sides prevents excessive rigidity that would hinder movement.
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
This design enables the application of a large operational opposing force to the user's finger, even for a display unit with a large mass, while minimizing vibration attenuation and noise, allowing for clear tactile feedback during operation.
Implementation Method 1
when the first elastic member is pushed in the second direction by the connecting shaft section, the first elastic member is first flexed and deformed in the second direction and is then compressed and deformed
Implementation Method 2
the first elastic member is first flexed and deformed in the second direction and is then compressed and deformed
Implementation Method 3
a force used to compress and deform the first elastic member is larger than a force used to flex and deform the first elastic member
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating device that makes it possible to efficiently apply a response force to an operating unit from a response force applying mechanism is provided. In a supporting mechanical section provided between the operating unit and a supporting member, a connecting shaft section is provided at one of the operating unit and the supporting member and a connecting receiving section is provided at the other of the operating unit and the supporting member, the connecting shaft section is supported by the connecting receiving section so as to be movable in a first direction, and a restoring member that causes the operating unit to be restored forward is provided. The connecting receiving section includes a first elastic member that continues supporting the connecting shaft section from both sides thereof in a second direction intersecting the first direction while the connecting shaft section moves in the first direction that is a front-rear direction.