Dynamic Suspension Touch Sensor with Snap Dome Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clickable touchpads face challenges in providing tactile feedback without unnecessary button clicks, managing haptic actuators' size and power consumption, and maintaining structural integrity in device housings, especially for large touchpads.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic suspension system for touch sensors that includes flex arms and snap dome switches, allowing movement only when desired, and a mechanical lockout system to selectively enable or disable tactile feedback based on detected conditions, using a combination of capacitive touchpad technology and mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If haptic actuators are used to provide tactile feedback in large touchpads, then tactile feedback is improved, but device size, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active haptic actuators with a passive mechanical suspension system using flex arms and snap dome switches. The snap domes provide tactile feedback through their inherent mechanical snap-through action when activated, eliminating the need for powered haptic actuators while maintaining the tactile click sensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the haptic actuator component from the system entirely. Instead of using powered actuators to create tactile feedback, the design relies on the passive mechanical properties of the snap dome switches and flex arm suspension system to provide the desired tactile response.
2Ease of operation
If haptic actuators are used to provide tactile feedback, then tactile feedback is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex powered haptic actuator systems with simple passive mechanical components - flex arms and snap dome switches. The snap domes provide tactile feedback through their inherent mechanical snap-through action, eliminating motors, controllers, and power management circuitry while maintaining the tactile click sensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive snap dome switches and flex arm components instead of expensive haptic actuators. These simple mechanical parts are cost-effective to manufacture and assemble, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing cost while providing the necessary tactile feedback function.
3Ease of operation
If a movable touchpad is used to provide tactile feedback, then tactile feedback is improved, but structural integrity of device housing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touchpad into multiple independent zones, each with its own snap dome switch and flex arm suspension. This allows localized movement and tactile feedback in specific clickable areas while the rest of the touchpad surface remains stable and supported, preserving the overall structural integrity of the device housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the movable suspension mechanism only to specific clickable zones of the touchpad rather than the entire surface. Each clickable area has its own flex arm and snap dome assembly, allowing localized tactile feedback while maintaining structural stability in non-clickable areas, thus preserving housing integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If button click is enabled in all modes, then tactile feedback availability is improved, but unnecessary button clicks occur when button press is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suspension system where the flex arms can be selectively suspended or released based on operational mode. The controller suspends the flex arms during modes where button presses are not available, preventing unnecessary clicks, and releases them during modes where tactile feedback is appropriate, providing adaptive tactile feedback availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the operational state and dynamically controls the suspension system accordingly. By providing feedback about the current mode to the suspension control, the system enables tactile feedback only when appropriate and prevents unnecessary button clicks during modes where button presses are not available.
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 precise tactile feedback emulation and efficient haptic actuator usage, reducing unnecessary button clicks and structural impact, while maintaining device integrity by allowing movement only when needed and providing context-specific tactile responses.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of flex arms extending from the first surface
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of snap dome switches disposed underneath the FPC and each having a respective post extending through a respective hole in the FPC
Implementation Method 3
capacitive touchpad technology
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a touch sensor include a dynamic suspension system to enable the touch sensor to emulate the tactile sensation that a user feels when using pushbutton switches, wherein a touch sensor is combined with at least one snap dome and a post inside the snap dome to keep the touch sensor rigid until the touch sensor is allowed to be displaced when a force is applied, and then the post is retracted or released to enable movement of the touch sensor and the snap dome are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and methods for a clickable touchpad that enables the clickable function to be selectively locked or unlocked in accordance with detected or sensed conditions are disclosed.