Virtual Button Haptic Interface With Deflection Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches struggle to effectively transmit haptic feedback through electronic device cases using linear resonant actuators and vibrational actuators, failing to mimic the feel of mechanical buttons.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a defined interaction zone and a haptic actuator mounted to its enclosure, where user interaction causes deflection, detected by a sensor, generating a haptic response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual buttons are used to replace mechanical buttons, then device reliability is improved by eliminating wear and tear, but user experience deteriorates because virtual buttons fail to provide tactile feedback similar to mechanical buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a linear resonant actuator (LRA) that generates mechanical vibrations to simulate the tactile sensation of pressing a mechanical button. The LRA is driven at its resonant frequency to produce controlled vibrations that mimic the feedback users expect from physical buttons, thereby maintaining ease of operation while using virtual buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical member (such as a dome switch or flexible membrane) as an intermediary between the user's finger and the virtual button interface. This mechanical member deflects under finger pressure and transmits the deflection to a sensor, while also serving as a mechanical interface that provides tactile feedback to the user's finger, bridging the gap between virtual and mechanical button experiences.
2Device complexity
If traditional vibrational actuators are used for haptic feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but haptic feedback transmission effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the resonant vibration characteristics of the LRA to efficiently transmit haptic feedback through the device case. By operating at the actuator's resonant frequency, the system achieves effective haptic transmission with simpler hardware compared to non-resonant vibrational actuators, maintaining low device complexity while improving feedback effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the haptic actuator by driving it at its resonant frequency rather than using standard vibrational motors. This parameter change (frequency optimization) significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of haptic feedback transmission through the device enclosure, achieving better performance without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances tactile feedback by directly transmitting haptic responses to the user, mimicking mechanical button interactions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor located proximately to the inner surface of the enclosure and configured to detect the deflection
Implementation Method 2
the haptic actuator is further configured to generate a haptic response responsive to the user interaction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include an enclosure having an outer surface with a defined interaction zone, wherein a user interaction with the defined interaction zone causes a deflection of a mechanical member of the electronic device, a haptic actuator mechanically mounted to an inner surface of the enclosure at the defined interaction zone, and a sensor located proximately to the inner surface of the enclosure and configured to detect the deflection, wherein the haptic actuator is further configured to generate a haptic response responsive to the user interaction upon detection of the deflection by the sensor.