Transparent Piezo Module for Position-Selective Haptic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices face limitations in providing position-selective haptic feedback with good anti-reflective, anti-shine, and anti-fingerprint properties due to the use of non-transparent piezo actuators and the need for multiple manufacturing steps and materials, leading to increased costs and reduced system quality.
Innovation Solution
A transparent module for display devices featuring a transparent substrate with a second transparent electrode and a transparent piezoelectric material, where the electrodes form a matrix of insulated islands, allowing for position-selective haptic feedback without additional mechanical coupling elements, and incorporating a rough surface structure for anti-reflective and anti-fingerprint properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezo actuators with mechanical coupling elements are used for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the non-transparent actuators and coupling elements restrict the view of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical piezo actuators with a transparent piezoelectric layer that can be directly integrated into the display structure. The transparent piezoelectric layer is coated on the display surface and controlled by transparent electrode islands, eliminating the need for opaque mechanical coupling elements while maintaining haptic feedback functionality and preserving display transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the piezoelectric material from opaque to transparent form. By using transparent piezoelectric materials and transparent electrodes, the system maintains the piezoelectric effect for haptic feedback while allowing light transmission through the display area, thus resolving the contradiction between haptic functionality and visual transparency.
2Illumination intensity
If piezo actuators are arranged in the edge area of the display, then transparency is improved, but additional mechanical coupling elements are required and position-selective haptic feedback cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode structure into multiple transparent electrode islands that are spatially distributed across the display surface. Each electrode island can be independently controlled to generate haptic feedback at specific positions. This segmentation enables position-selective haptic feedback while maintaining overall display transparency and eliminating the need for edge-mounted actuators and their associated mechanical coupling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from edge-based haptic actuation to surface-based actuation by distributing transparent electrode islands across the two-dimensional display area. This dimensional change allows haptic feedback to be generated at any position on the display surface directly, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling elements that would be required for edge-mounted actuators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate coatings and technologies are used for touch sensor, haptic actuator, anti-shine, anti-fingerprint, and anti-reflective properties, then each function can be implemented, but installation space increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers into an integrated structure. The transparent piezoelectric layer serves dual purposes: it provides haptic feedback actuation and simultaneously functions as an anti-reflective and anti-shine coating. The transparent electrode islands provide both touch sensing capability and haptic actuation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and materials required while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent piezoelectric layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the haptic actuator material, provides anti-reflective properties, and contributes to anti-shine characteristics. The transparent electrode islands serve both as touch sensor elements and as actuators for haptic feedback. This multi-functionality approach reduces system complexity and manufacturing steps while maintaining versatility.
4Reliability
If separate technologies are used for each function (touch sensor, haptic actuator, anti-reflective coating), then each function can be optimized, but system costs and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic actuator function and anti-reflective coating function into a single transparent piezoelectric layer. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for applying anti-reflective coatings and depositing piezoelectric materials, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying production while maintaining the functional performance of both features.
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 solution enables position-selective haptic feedback, reduces manufacturing and material costs, and improves system quality by integrating haptic actuator, anti-shine, and anti-reflective coatings into a single transparent module, minimizing distortion and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes. This stimulates the piezo actuators to vibrate via the piezoelectric effect
Implementation Method 2
the reflection intensity decreases. Thus, a coating with anti-gloss and/or anti-reflective properties may be obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A module (1) for a display and/or operating device (10), the module (1) comprising a first transparent electrode (3) having a first matrix of a plurality of electrode islands (3a, 3b, 3c); a transparent piezoelectric layer (2) having a first and a second area; a second transparent electrode (4); a transparent substrate (12); and a conductive path arrangement (25) having at least a first conductive path (24a) on the transparent piezoelectric layer (2), wherein the transparent substrate (12) is coated with the second transparent electrode (4) and the second transparent electrode (4) is disposed between the transparent substrate and the transparent piezoelectric layer (2), and the first area is coated with the first transparent electrode and the second area is coated with the second transparent electrode (4); and the electrode islands (3a, 3b, 3c) are arranged electrically insulated from one another on the first area of the transparent piezoelectric material (2), wherein the at least first conductive path (24a) of the conductive path arrangement (25) is electrically connected to at least one of the electrode islands (3a, 3b, 3c), and at least the first conductive path (24a) and/or at least one of the electrode islands (3a, 3b, 3c) has a rough surface structure with a maximum roughness depth of 4 μm.