Trackpad PCB Haptic Actuator for Chassis-Wide Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices with trackpads mechanically coupled to haptic components like LRAs increase material costs and occupy space, and haptic feedback to areas outside the trackpad is often dampened, causing user confusion and disruption.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator assembly with conductive coils on the trackpad's printed circuit board and a magnet rigidly affixed to the chassis, transmitting vibrations efficiently to the chassis without mechanical coupling, allowing user-perceptible feedback beyond the trackpad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trackpad is mechanically coupled to a moveable mass haptic component (LRA), then haptic feedback is provided to the trackpad, but material costs increase and packaging space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic actuator function with the existing trackpad structure by integrating the LRA directly into the trackpad assembly. The moveable mass is coupled to the trackpad surface, allowing the same component to serve both as the input surface and the haptic feedback mechanism, thereby eliminating separate haptic components and reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The trackpad structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the input detection surface and the haptic feedback delivery mechanism. The moveable mass integrated into the trackpad allows the single component to provide both touch input capability and tactile feedback, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If haptic feedback is provided to areas outside the trackpad, then user-perceptible feedback is achieved, but the feedback is dampened causing user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different structural characteristics in different regions of the housing. The trackpad region is designed with specific vibrational properties for precise input feedback, while other housing regions have structural characteristics optimized for transmitting haptic notifications. This local differentiation ensures that haptic feedback in non-trackpad areas remains clear and distinguishable from trackpad input feedback, preventing user confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the housing structure itself as an intermediary medium to transmit haptic feedback to users. By carefully designing the housing's structural properties and coupling mechanisms, the system can efficiently transmit vibrational energy from the LRA to various housing regions, ensuring that haptic notifications are clearly perceptible without being dampened, while maintaining distinct characteristics from trackpad input feedback.
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
Reduces component costs and space requirements while providing clear, user-perceptible haptic feedback to the chassis and touch screen without disrupting trackpad use.
Implementation Method 1
A haptic actuator assembly with conductive coils on the trackpad's printed circuit board and a magnet rigidly affixed to the chassis, transmitting vibrations efficiently to the chassis
Implementation Method 2
driver signal to the at least one conductive coil to cause the at least one magnet to produce user-perceptible vibrations in the chassis beyond the trackpad
Data Source
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AI summary
Computing devices and methods for producing vibrations in computing devices are disclosed. In one example, a computing device comprises a chassis that includes a trackpad comprising a printed circuit board. A haptic actuator assembly comprises at least one conductive coil formed on or affixed to the printed circuit board, and at least one magnet rigidly affixed to the chassis. The magnet is spaced from and not mechanically coupled to the at least one conductive coil. A memory stores instructions executable by a processor to receive a haptic event requests, determine that the trackpad is not in use, and at least on condition of receiving the haptic event request and determining that the trackpad is not in use, cause a driver signal to be sent to the conductive coil(s) to cause the at least one magnet to produce user-perceptible vibrations in the chassis beyond the trackpad.