Three-Dimensional Touch Interface With Ultrasonic Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interfaces, whether industrial or consumer, face high manufacturing costs and wear due to moving parts, while touchscreens lack the intuitive handling and tactile feedback of three-dimensional control elements, especially in applications where user attention is limited, such as car dashboards.
Innovation Solution
A tactile interface with a three-dimensional control member that combines a vibrating plate and a control member, using ultrasonic vibrations to induce haptic feedback, where a sensor detects pressure or position to modulate the vibration and provide tactile sensations like clicks or virtual notches, independent of the surface texture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional three-dimensional control elements are used, then ease of operation and intuitive handling are improved, but manufacturing costs increase and wear occurs due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control elements with moving parts with a flat touchscreen surface that uses ultrasonic vibrations to create haptic feedback. The control member is integrated into the plate without mechanical movement, eliminating wear while maintaining intuitive operation through vibration-based tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ultrasonic vibration of the plate to create haptic feedback effects such as clicks and virtual notches. The transducer generates vibrations at frequencies between 10 kHz and 200 kHz, allowing the flat surface to simulate three-dimensional tactile sensations without mechanical movement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional three-dimensional control elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assemblies with an integrated flat plate and transducer system. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical components, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining intuitive operation through haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control member with the plate into a single integrated structure. The control member extends from the plate without requiring separate mechanical assemblies, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while preserving tactile feedback capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat touchscreen surface is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic vibration of the plate to create haptic feedback effects such as clicks and virtual notches. The transducer generates vibrations at frequencies between 10 kHz and 200 kHz, allowing the flat surface to simulate three-dimensional tactile sensations without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vibrational parameters of the plate (frequency, amplitude, duration) to create different haptic feedback effects. By modulating these parameters, the system can simulate various tactile sensations including clicks, notches, and texturing on the flat surface.
4Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic vibration is used to simulate texture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to provide tactile feedback in low-attention scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration locally at the contact point between the user's finger and the control member. The transducer generates vibrations that are felt specifically where needed, providing localized tactile feedback that guides user interaction even when attention is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sensor to detect user interaction with the control member and triggers corresponding haptic feedback through the transducer. This feedback loop provides immediate tactile confirmation of user actions, enhancing operability in low-attention scenarios by making the interface responsive and predictable.
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 interface offers improved ergonomics and intuitive operation by simulating texture and clicks through ultrasonic vibrations, enhancing user interaction without mechanical wear, suitable for applications requiring minimal attention.
Implementation Method 1
The plate is vibrated by several piezoelectric transducers... When the vibration resonance frequency of the contact surface is in the ultrasonic domain, for example between 10 kHz and 200 kHz... This effect is known and is usually referred to as 'squeeze film'. The vibration of the plate generates an air cushion between the finger and the plate, reducing the friction of the finger on the plate. This is also called ultrasonic lubrication.
Implementation Method 2
The vibration of the plate generates an air cushion between the finger and the plate, reducing the friction of the finger on the plate. This is also called ultrasonic lubrication.
Implementation Method 3
The plate is vibrated by several piezoelectric transducers, arranged in contact with the plate, below the latter.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
Touch interface (1), intended to control a device (20), the interface being intended to be touched by an external body (9), and comprising: - a plate (10); at least one transducer (12), configured to apply a pressure of variable amplitude to the plate so as to make the plate (10) vibrate; - a control member (2), extending from the plate, between a near surface (2p), secured to the plate, and a far surface (2d), the control member being intended to make contact with an external body; - a sensor (14), configured to emit a state signal (S(t)), the state signal being representative of a contact of the external body with the control member; a control unit (15), connected to the sensor (14), and configured to address, depending on the state signal, an activation signal (Act(t)) to at least one transducer, so as to form a vibration that propagates along the plate, to the control member.