Touchscreen Assembly With Localized Haptic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flat touch screen displays, particularly in automotive interiors, it is difficult for users to determine which input has been selected due to the propagation of haptic feedback, leading to confusion and distraction.
Innovation Solution
A screen assembly with an internal structure, isolating material, and actuator, where the isolating material damps haptic output to localize feedback within the input area, preventing its transmission to other parts of the screen, and the actuator provides haptic feedback to the input area through a button or thinner section of the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is provided through a flat touch screen display, then user feedback is provided, but the haptic feedback propagates through the display causing confusion about which input was selected
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple independent input areas, each with its own haptic feedback mechanism. The isolating material segments the haptic feedback paths, ensuring that feedback from one input area does not propagate to other areas. This segmentation allows users to clearly identify which specific input was selected while maintaining haptic feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display have different haptic properties. The isolating material creates localized haptic zones where feedback is contained within specific input areas. This local quality differentiation ensures that haptic feedback is provided effectively while preventing cross-contamination of feedback signals between adjacent inputs.
2Shape
If the screen is made smooth and flat for aesthetic purposes, then visual appeal is improved, but haptic feedback localization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The smooth flat screen is segmented into multiple input areas with distinct haptic characteristics. Isolating material is placed between these areas to create independent haptic zones. This allows the overall screen to maintain its smooth aesthetic appearance while providing localized haptic feedback that helps users distinguish between different inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
An isolating material is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent input areas. This material has specific haptic properties that allow it to block or dampen feedback propagation while maintaining the visual continuity and smoothness of the overall screen surface.
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 solution effectively localizes haptic feedback, allowing users to clearly discern which input area has been actuated, reducing confusion and enhancing user experience in environments with multiple input areas.
Implementation Method 1
The isolating material damps the haptic output to reduce transmission of the haptic output to portions of the screen outside of the input area
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a screen assembly, includes a screen, an internal structure, an isolating material and an actuator. The screen has an outer surface and an input area, and the internal structure is behind the outer surface and defines part of a chamber behind the input area. The isolating material is within the chamber, and the actuator is behind the screen and arranged to provide haptic output to the input area. The isolating material damps the haptic output to reduce transmission of the haptic output to portions of the screen outside of the input area.