Unbalance Motor Haptic Feedback Control for Touch Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical switches are being replaced by touch-sensitive switch surfaces, which lack haptic feedback, leading to user uncertainty about successful operation, and existing vibration devices provide undesirable feedback.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an unbalance motor, sensor, and processor that generates a pulse-shaped haptic moment by producing actuation signals for the motor based on sensor input, ensuring a compact and inexpensive design with controlled acceleration and deceleration to mimic conventional switch feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If touch-sensitive switch surfaces replace mechanical switches, then device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but haptic feedback is lost leading to user uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an unbalance motor that generates oscillations to create haptic feedback at the actuator. The control unit activates the unbalance motor to produce vibrations that simulate the tactile sensation of a mechanical switch, thereby restoring haptic feedback while maintaining the reliability benefits of touch-sensitive surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If conventional vibration devices are used for haptic feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but the feedback quality deteriorates as it does not correspond to expected switch feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating haptic feedback at the specific location of the actuator rather than through general device vibrations. The unbalance motor is positioned to create localized vibrations that mimic the precise tactile sensation of a mechanical switch press, ensuring the feedback quality corresponds to user expectations while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If an unbalance motor is used to generate haptic moment, then device compactness and cost are improved, but control precision is required to achieve pulse-shaped moment without excessive revolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed actuation signals to control the unbalance motor. The control unit generates periodic pulse-shaped signals that activate the motor for precise time intervals, enabling the motor to complete the required rotational movement without exceeding the desired number of revolutions. This periodic control achieves the necessary manufacturing precision while maintaining device compactness and simplicity.
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 provides a compact, inexpensive, and effective haptic feedback mechanism that is independent of actuation pressure and duration, enhancing user experience by simulating the feel of a conventional switch.
Implementation Method 1
an unbalance motor (2) for generating a haptic moment at an actuator (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating a haptic moment at an actuator including an unbalance motor, a sensor for sensing activation of the actuator, and a processor for generating an actuation signal for the unbalance motor depending on signals of the sensor, wherein the processor is embodied so that, when activation of the actuator is sensed, the processor generates a first actuation signal and generates a second actuation signal, wherein the first actuation signal is configured so the unbalance motor is accelerated in a first rotational direction without reaching more than two revolutions, and the second actuation signal is configured so the unbalance motor is braked without the unbalance motor starting to move in the second rotational direction.