Vibration Control Device for Mechanical Switch Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input systems fail to provide users with an operational feeling similar to that of a mechanical switch, as they do not effectively replicate the tactile sensations of pressing and releasing a switch.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an operation detection unit and a driving unit that generates a first vibration and then a second vibration with greater amplitude, mimicking the sensation of pressing and releasing a mechanical switch by varying the vibration pattern based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibration element is vibrated with a sinusoidal wave of decreasing amplitude, then the vibration provides a sense of touch with first vibration greatest and then decreasing, but the operational feeling is not similar to a mechanical switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by generating multiple distinct vibration patterns in sequence: a first vibration upon contact, followed by a second vibration with greater amplitude. This periodic sequence of vibrations mimics the mechanical switch's pressing and releasing phases, creating a more authentic operational feeling while maintaining reliable tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by changing the vibration characteristics based on the operational state. The system dynamically adjusts from a first vibration pattern to a second vibration pattern with greater amplitude, creating a dynamic tactile experience that reflects the mechanical switch's movement from unpressed to pressed state, thereby improving operational feeling.
2Ease of operation
If the vibration amplitude continuously decreases, then the vibration provides a fading tactile sensation, but it fails to replicate the click sensation of a mechanical switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration response into distinct phases: a first vibration upon initial contact and a second vibration with greater amplitude subsequently. This segmentation allows each vibration phase to serve a specific purpose in replicating the mechanical switch sensation, creating a clear sense of click without requiring overly complex continuous control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by generating discrete vibration pulses in a specific sequence. The first vibration followed by the second vibration with greater amplitude creates a periodic pattern that mimics the mechanical switch's action, providing a sense of click while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
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 control device enhances the operational feeling by providing users with a sense of depth and click, closely replicating the tactile experience of a mechanical switch, thereby improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration element is vibrated with a voltage of a waveform obtained by applying an envelope to a sinusoidal wave
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control device. An operation detection unit configured to detect an operation of a user on an operation surface of a panel. A driving unit configured to drive a vibration element attached to the panel to generate a vibration for the panel. When the operation is detected by the operation detection unit, the driving unit drives the vibration element to generate a first vibration for the panel and then to generate a second vibration which has an amplitude greater than an amplitude of the first vibration for the panel.