Trackpad Flexure Assembly for Consistent Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trackpads often provide poor tactile feedback, unsatisfactory ergonomics, and inconsistent touch and feel, leading to undesirable user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A trackpad assembly with a flexure system comprising a touch input plate, a base plate, and a flexure that includes flexible beams, providing a spring-like biasing action to enhance tactile feedback and ergonomic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional trackpad structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tactile feedback quality deteriorates (low click ratio, poor ergonomics)
Solution Approach 1:
The trackpad assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a touch input plate for receiving user input, a flexure mechanism for providing tactile feedback, and a switch for signal generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to improve overall tactile feedback quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure acts as an intermediary element between the touch input plate and the switch. It translates the mechanical pressure from user touch into controlled movement that actuates the switch, while also providing the necessary tactile feedback to the user. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling high-quality tactile feedback without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages.
2Measurement precision
If location-dependent click ratio is present, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the input detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure is designed with non-uniform geometric properties - different regions of the flexure have different stiffness characteristics and deformation characteristics. This local variation in quality allows the flexure to compensate for off-center inputs by providing location-specific mechanical response, ensuring consistent click ratio regardless of where on the touch plate the user applies pressure.
3Ease of operation
If the touch input plate moves freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates (inconsistent tactile feedback)
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure's geometric parameters (thickness, width, curvature radius) are specifically designed and optimized to provide the right balance between freedom of movement and precision. By carefully controlling these parameters, the flexure allows the touch plate to move responsively to user input while maintaining consistent tactile feedback characteristics across different operating conditions.
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
The flexure system offers improved tactile feedback and ergonomic design, ensuring consistent click ratios and enhanced user interaction with the trackpad, regardless of input location.
Implementation Method 1
a flexure positioned below the base plate. In some examples the flexure includes a first attachment portion attached to the touch input plate, a second attachment portion attached to the base plate, and at least one flexible portion connecting the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion and biasing the first attachment portion upward relative to the second attachment portion
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard of the present disclosure has a keyboard housing with a base plate defining a trackpad opening. The keyboard can also include a trackpad assembly disposed within the trackpad opening, the trackpad assembly including: a touch input plate configured to receive a user touch input and positioned above the base plate; and a flexure positioned below the base plate. In some examples the flexure includes: a first attachment portion attached to the touch input plate; a second attachment portion attached to the base plate; and at least one flexible portion connecting the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion and biasing the first attachment portion upward relative to the second attachment portion.