Localized Deflection Using a Bending Haptic Actuator
First Claim
1. An electronic device, comprising:
- a cover sheet defining a surface;
a haptic actuator positioned below the cover sheet; and
a support structure coupled to the haptic actuator;
whereinactuation of the haptic actuator causes a deflection in the surface at a location that substantially corresponds to a position of the haptic actuator;
the support structure is configured to amplify the deflection in the surface; and
the deflection in the surface is substantially localized at the location that substantially corresponds to the position of the haptic actuator.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic device configured to provide localized haptic feedback to a user on one or more regions or sections of a surface of the electronic device. A support structure is positioned below the surface, and one or more haptic actuators are coupled to the support structure. In some examples, the support structure is shaped or configured to amplify a response to a haptic actuator. When a haptic actuator is actuated, the support structure deflects, which causes the surface to bend or deflect at a location that substantially corresponds to the location of the activated haptic actuator. In some examples, prior to providing haptic feedback, at least one haptic actuator is electrically pre-stressed to place the haptic actuator(s) in a pre-stressed state. When haptic feedback is to be provided, at least one haptic actuator transitions from the pre-stressed state to a haptic output state to produce one or more deflections in the surface. In other examples, a haptic structure incorporates a piezoelectric element that is shaped to reduce the overall cost of the haptic structure while still providing high actuation performance.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An electronic device, comprising:
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a cover sheet defining a surface; a haptic actuator positioned below the cover sheet; and a support structure coupled to the haptic actuator;
whereinactuation of the haptic actuator causes a deflection in the surface at a location that substantially corresponds to a position of the haptic actuator; the support structure is configured to amplify the deflection in the surface; and the deflection in the surface is substantially localized at the location that substantially corresponds to the position of the haptic actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An electronic device, comprising:
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a cover sheet defining a surface; a support structure positioned below the cover sheet; and a haptic actuator coupled to the support structure;
whereina cavity is defined within a side of the support structure opposite the cover sheet; the cavity is substantially centered over the haptic actuator; and actuation of the haptic actuator causes a deflection in the surface that is substantially localized at a location that substantially corresponds to the haptic actuator. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. An electronic device, comprising:
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a cover sheet defining a surface; a support structure positioned below the cover sheet; and a haptic actuator coupled to the support structure;
whereinthe support structure comprises a force concentration region positioned over the haptic actuator; actuation of the haptic actuator causes an amplified deflection within the force concentration region; and the amplified deflection within the force concentration region causes a corresponding deflection in the surface that is substantially localized at a location that substantially corresponds to the haptic actuator. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21-106. -106. (canceled)
Specification