PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10976824-B1
Application Number: US-201916584443-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Reluctance haptic engine for an electronic device

Abstract:
A reluctance haptic engine for an electronic device includes a core, an attractor, and one or more flexible support members. The core and/or the attractor may be coupled to an input structure, such as a button cap, trackpad cover, touchscreen cover, or the like. In an unactuated configuration, flexible support members maintain a gap between the core and the attractor. An electrical current may be applied to one or more conduction loops of the core to actuate the reluctance haptic engine and provide a haptic output by moving the input structure. The electrical current may cause a magnetic flux that results in a reluctance force that pulls the attractor and the core together and causes the input structure to move (e.g., translate, rotate, oscillate, vibrate, or deform) to produce a haptic output.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 an input structure defining an input surface; 
 a reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath the input surface, and comprising:
 an attractor; 
 a core separated from the attractor by a gap in an unactuated configuration of the reluctance haptic engine, the core comprising a conduction loop configured to receive an electrical current to generate a reluctance force that causes a transition from the unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration by reducing the gap between the attractor and the core; 
 a first flexible support member positioned on a first side of the core and coupled to the attractor and the core, the first flexible support member comprising a sensing element configured to generate a sensing signal; and 
 a second flexible support member positioned on a second side of the core opposite the first side of the core, the first flexible support member and the second flexible support member configured to:
 in the unactuated configuration, maintain the gap between the core and the attractor; and 
 during the transition from the unactuated configuration to the actuated configuration of the reluctance haptic engine, deform as the gap between the attractor and the core is reduced; and 
 
 
 a processing unit configured to:
 detect an input received at the input surface using the sensing signal generated by the sensing element; and 
 cause the electrical current to be applied to the conduction loop to produce a haptic output at the input surface. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the attractor is coupled to the input structure; 
 the attractor is configured to move toward the core as the gap is reduced, thereby displacing at least a portion of the input surface towards the core to produce the haptic output; 
 the core further comprises:
 first and second tabs extending from the first side of the core; and 
 third and fourth tabs extending from the second side of the core; 
 the first flexible support member extends between the first and second tabs; 
 the second flexible support member extends between the third and fourth tabs. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 a first end portion of the first flexible support member is attached to the first tab; 
 a second end portion of the first flexible support member is attached to the second tab; 
 a third end portion of the second flexible support member is attached to the third tab; 
 a fourth end portion of the second flexible support member is attached to the fourth tab; 
 the first flexible support member is coupled to the attractor by a first spacer attached to the first flexible support member between the first end portion and the second end portion; and 
 the second flexible support member is coupled to the attractor by a second spacer attached to the second flexible support member between the third end portion and the fourth end portion. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 a first middle portion of the first flexible support member between the first end portion and the second end portion is configured to deform as the gap between the attractor and the core is reduced; and 
 a second middle portion of the second flexible support member between the first end portion and the second end portion is configured to deform as the gap between the attractor and the core is reduced. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the attractor is fixed with respect to the enclosure; 
 the core is configured to move relative to the attractor and the enclosure; 
 a first end portion of the first flexible support member is fixed with respect to the enclosure; 
 a second end portion of the first flexible support member is fixed with respect to the core; and 
 the input structure is coupled to a middle portion of the first flexible support member between the first end portion and the second end portion. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the input structure comprises a shaft extending through an opening defined in the enclosure; and 
 the shaft is attached to the middle portion of the first flexible support member. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sensing element is a first sensing element; 
 the sensing signal is a first sensing signal; 
 the second flexible support member comprises a second sensing element configured to generate a second sensing signal; and 
 the processing unit is configured to detect the input received at the input surface using the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second sensing elements comprise strain sensors. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the haptic output is produced in response to the input received at the input surface. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein producing the haptic output comprises translating the input structure along either:
 a path that is parallel to the input surface; or 
 a path that is perpendicular to the input surface. 
 
     
     
       11. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a processing unit; 
 a display positioned at least partially within the enclosure; and 
 a reluctance haptic engine positioned within the enclosure and comprising:
 a core comprising a conduction loop that is operably coupled to the processing unit; 
 an attractor configured to:
 move toward the core in response to a reluctance force generated by an electrical current in the conduction loop; and 
 move away from the core in response to the electrical current in the conduction loop being ceased; and 
 
 a flexible support member coupling the attractor to the core and comprising a sensing element operably coupled to the processing unit, the flexible support member configured to:
 provide a biasing force to maintain a gap between the attractor and the core in an absence of the electrical current in the conduction loop; 
 deform to allow the attractor to move toward the core in response to the reluctance force generated by the electrical current in the conduction loop; and 
 provide the biasing force to cause the attractor to move away from the core in response to the electrical current in the conduction loop being ceased, wherein: 
 
 the attractor moving toward the core produces a first portion of a haptic output along an external surface of the electronic device; 
 the attractor moving away from the core produces a second portion of the haptic output along the external surface of the electronic device 
 the sensing element is configured to output a signal that varies based on the deformation of the flexible support member; and 
 the processing unit is configured to determine a characteristic of the haptic output using the signal. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the processing unit is further configured to:
 adjust the haptic output by changing a signal characteristic of the electrical current in the conduction loop based on the characteristic of the haptic output. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the characteristic is at least one of a position, displacement, velocity, or acceleration of the attractor. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the electronic device comprises an input structure defining an input surface; and 
 the reluctance haptic engine is positioned beneath the input structure and configured to produce haptic outputs at the input surface. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the electronic device is a laptop; 
 the reluctance haptic engine is a first reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath a trackpad of the laptop; 
 the laptop further comprises a second reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath the trackpad of the laptop; and 
 the first and second reluctance haptic engines are configured to produce localized haptic outputs at the trackpad. 
 
     
     
       16. A method comprising:
 detecting an input at an electronic device comprising a reluctance haptic engine with a flexible support member, detecting the input comprising detecting a deformation of the flexible support member; 
 in response to the input, determining, by a processing unit of the electronic device, an output to be produced by the electronic device; 
 outputting, by the processing unit, an output signal to provide a haptic output that corresponds to the determined output; 
 in response to the output signal, applying an electrical current to a conduction loop of the reluctance haptic engine to generate a reluctance force to reduce a gap between an attractor and a core; and 
 reducing the electrical current to increase the gap between the attractor and the core using the flexible support member of the reluctance haptic engine; wherein:
 reducing the gap produces a first portion of the haptic output; and 
 increasing the gap produces a second portion of the haptic output. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein reducing the gap comprises overcoming a biasing force provided by the flexible support member. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the electrical current is a first electrical current; and 
 the method further comprises, after the gap is increased, reducing the gap by applying a second electrical current to the conduction loop to produce a third portion of the haptic output. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the method further comprises displaying a graphical output using a touch-sensitive display; and 
 detecting the input comprises detecting a touch input along the touch-sensitive display.

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments relate generally to an electronic watch or other electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate a reluctance actuator configured to provide a haptic output for an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some electronic devices are configured to provide haptic output to a user. In general, it may be advantageous to reduce the size of a haptic mechanism so that it occupies less space within an electronic device. Some traditional haptic output devices include motors and other relatively large actuation mechanisms, which occupy significant space within device enclosures. The extra space occupied by traditional haptic mechanisms could be eliminated to make the device smaller or used for other device components, such as batteries to provide longer device operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to reluctance actuators configured to provide haptic outputs at electronic devices. 
     Embodiments described herein may include or take the form of an electronic device that includes an enclosure, an input structure defining an input surface, a reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath the input surface, and a processing unit. The reluctance haptic engine may include an attractor and a core separated from the attractor by a gap in an unactuated configuration of the reluctance haptic engine. The core may comprise a conduction loop configured to receive an electrical current to generate a reluctance force that causes a transition from the unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration by reducing the gap between the attractor and the core. The reluctance haptic engine may further include a first flexible support member positioned on a first side of the core and coupled to the attractor and the core and a second flexible support member positioned on a second side of the core opposite the first side of the core. The first flexible support member and the second flexible support member may be configured to, in the unactuated configuration, maintain the gap between the core and the attractor and during the transition from the unactuated configuration to the actuated configuration of the reluctance haptic engine, deform as the gap between the attractor and the core is reduced. The processing unit may be configured to cause the electrical current to be applied to the conduction loop to produce a haptic output at the input surface. 
     Embodiments described herein may additionally or alternatively take the form of an electronic device that includes an enclosure, a display positioned at least partially within the enclosure, and a reluctance haptic engine positioned within the enclosure. The reluctance haptic engine may include a core that includes a conduction loop, and an attractor. The attractor may be configured to move toward the core in response to a reluctance force generated by an electrical current in the conduction loop and move away from the core in response to the electrical current in the conduction loop being ceased. The reluctance haptic engine may include a flexible support member coupling the attractor to the core and configured to provide a biasing force to maintain a gap between the attractor and the core in an absence of the electrical current in the conduction loop, deform to allow the attractor to move toward the core in response to the reluctance force generated by the electrical current in the conduction loop, and provide the biasing force to cause the attractor to move away from the core in response to the electrical current in the conduction loop being ceased. The attractor moving toward the core may produce a first portion of a haptic output along an external surface of the electronic device. The attractor moving away from the core may produce a second portion of the haptic output along the external surface of the electronic device. 
     Embodiments described herein may additionally or alternatively take the form of a method for producing a haptic output at an electronic device using a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members. The method may include the steps of detecting an input at the electronic device and, in response to the input, determining, by a processing unit of the electronic device, an output to be produced by the electronic device. The method may further include the steps of outputting, by the processing unit, an output signal to provide a haptic output that corresponds to the determined output, and, in response to the output signal, applying an electrical current to a conduction loop of the reluctance haptic engine to generate a reluctance force to reduce a gap between an attractor and a core. The method may further include the step of reducing the electrical current to increase the gap between the attractor and the core using a flexible support member of the reluctance haptic engine. Reducing the gap may produce a first portion of the haptic output, and increasing the gap may produce a second portion of the haptic output. 
     In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show functional block diagrams of an example electronic device that incorporates a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an example reluctance haptic engine that includes an attractor, a core, and flexible support members configured to define a gap between the attractor and the core and allow movement between the attractor and the core; 
         FIG. 2B  shows an exploded view of the various components of the reluctance haptic engine of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-section view of the reluctance haptic engine of  FIG. 2A , taken through section line A-A of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIGS. 2D and 2E  illustrate cross-section views of the reluctance haptic engine of  FIG. 2A , taken through section line B-B of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example electronic device that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members, configured as a laptop; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 3A , showing reluctance haptic engines positioned beneath a trackpad; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an example electronic device that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members; 
         FIGS. 4B and 4C  illustrate partial cross-section views of the electronic device of  FIG. 4A  showing an input structure and a reluctance haptic engine positioned beneath the input structure, taken through section line C-C of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate partial cross-section views of an electronic device with an example reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members configured to move an input structure laterally; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a flowchart of an example method for producing a haptic output at an electronic device using a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example electronic device that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members, configured as an electronic watch; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to an electronic device having a reluctance haptic engine configured to provide haptic output to a user of the device. In various embodiments, the reluctance haptic engine includes a core and an attractor. The core and/or the attractor may be coupled to an input structure, such as a button cap, trackpad cover, touchscreen cover, or the like. In an unactuated configuration, flexible support members maintain a gap between the core and the attractor. An electrical current may be applied to one or more conduction loops of the core to actuate the reluctance haptic engine and provide a haptic output by moving the input structure. The electrical current may cause a magnetic flux resulting in a reluctance force that pulls the attractor and the core together and causes the input structure to move (e.g., translate, rotate, oscillate, vibrate, or deform) to produce a haptic output. In an actuated configuration, a biasing force applied by the flexible support members to maintain the gap may be overcome by the reluctance force, and the gap between the core and the attractor is reduced or closed. 
     The movement of the attractor and/or the core may result in deflection and/or deformation of one or more of the flexible support members. Said another way, the flexible support members may transition from a non-deformed state to a deformed state or from a deformed state to a further-deformed state under the applied reluctance force, resulting in and/or allowing the movement of the attractor toward the core. When the electrical currents applied to the one or more conduction loops are reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible support members may overcome the reluctance force and cause the biasing members to transition from a deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state to a less-deformed state), thereby separating the actuator and the core (e.g., moving the actuator away from the core) and/or reestablishing the gap. 
     As used herein, the terms “deform” or “deformation” may be used to refer to any change in shape or form of a component, including as a result of bending, torsion, tensile forces shear forces, compressive forces, or the like. As used herein, the terms “deflect” or “deflection” may refer to displacement of a component or a portion thereof from one position to another. 
     In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine may be used to detect inputs to the electronic device. The flexible support members may deflect or deform in response to a force applied to the input structure, for example by a user input. The flexible support members may include one or more sensing elements that may be used to sense inputs based on measuring deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. For example, the sensing elements may include one or more strain sensors positioned along the flexible support members and configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. 
     In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements may be used to determine spatial parameters of the attractor, the core, and/or the input structure. The parameters may include, but are not limited to a position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The spatial parameters determined from the signals provided by the sensing elements may be used to determine a location and/or magnitude (e.g., force measurement) of an input to the input member. For example, a location and/or magnitude of an input may be determined by determining a difference between output signals of two or more sensing elements. The magnitude of one or more output signals may be used to estimate a magnitude of force applied to the input member. 
     A first flexible support member may be coupled to a first side of the core, and a second flexible support member may be coupled to a second side of the core that is opposite the first side. Positioning the flexible support members on opposite sides of the core may provide enhanced stability for the attractor and/or the core and may allow the sensing elements positioned along the flexible support members to more effectively be used to detect the locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback related to haptic outputs. 
     As used herein, the terms “haptic output” and “tactile output” may refer to outputs produced by the electronic device that may be perceived through user touch. Examples of haptic outputs include vibrations, deflections, and other movements of a device enclosure, a device cover, or input device, or another device component that forms an input surface of the electronic device. In some cases, a reluctance haptic engine may vibrate, displace, and/or deflect a device component (e.g., an enclosure, a cover, or an input device) to produce a haptic output at an external surface of the device defined by the device component. In some cases, haptic outputs may be produced by relative movement of one or more device components with respect to one or more additional device components. As one example, a reluctance haptic engine may cause a first device component (for example, a cover) to vibrate, oscillate, rotate and/or translate relative to another device component (for example, an enclosure) to produce a haptic output that may be perceived by a user. 
     In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine is coupled to an enclosure of the electronic device and provides haptic outputs that may be tactilely perceived by the user along one or more portions of an external surface (such as an input or output surface) of the electronic device. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine is coupled to a contact member that moves (e.g., oscillates, vibrates, translates or rotates) with respect to other components of the electronic device, such as a housing member, to provide haptic outputs. Translation may include inward and outward translation, lateral translation, and other movement of the contact member. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine provides haptic outputs by deflecting a portion of an enclosure of the electronic device. Different types of movement may be used to provide different haptic outputs. 
     In some cases, the haptic outputs described herein are localized haptic outputs. As used herein, the term “localized haptic output” may be used to refer to a haptic output that is outputted through or at a particular location or region along a particular external surface of the electronic device, such as at an input surface or a portion thereof, while being imperceptible or absent from other external surfaces (or another portion of the particular external surface). The reluctance haptic engines described herein may produce localized haptic outputs causing vibration, deflection, or movement at particular locations or regions of the external surfaces of the electronic device. In some cases, a localized haptic output may be felt strongly at one or more locations or regions of the external surfaces and may be imperceptible or less perceptible at one or more other locations or regions of the external surfaces of the electronic device. 
     In some cases, localized haptic outputs may provide feedback regarding inputs received at particular locations of the electronic device. For example, localized haptic outputs may be provided at and/or near an input device (e.g., a button, a key, a crown, a trackpad, or a touchscreen) to provide feedback related to an input provided at the input device. In other cases, localized haptic outputs may provide other types of feedback or information to users. 
     In some cases, the haptic outputs described herein are global haptic outputs. As used herein, the term “global haptic output” may refer to a haptic output that is produced in a large area and, in some cases, across or through substantially all of the external surfaces of the electronic device. As described herein, a reluctance haptic engine may cause a mass or weighted member to move and, in some cases, oscillate, to produce a perceptible vibration or tactile effect along the external surfaces of the electronic device. In general, global haptic outputs are not meant to be localized to any particular location or region of the external surfaces of the electronic device. In some cases, global haptic outputs may provide feedback that is not related to a specific location on the electronic device. For example, global haptic outputs may be provided for alerts received at the electronic device. In other cases, global haptic outputs may provide other types of feedback or information to users. 
     The term “attached,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically affixed, fastened, and/or retained to one another. The term “coupled,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically attached to one another, operate with one another, communicate with one another, are in electrical connection with one another, and/or otherwise interact with one another. Accordingly, while elements attached to one another are coupled to one another, the reverse is not required. As used herein, “operably coupled” or “electrically coupled” may be used to refer to two or more devices that are coupled in any suitable manner for operation and/or communication, including wiredly, wirelessly, or some combination thereof. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1A-8 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  show functional block diagrams of an example electronic device  120  that incorporates a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members. The electronic device  120  may include a device enclosure  122 , a reluctance haptic engine  100 , one or more input devices  130 , one or more output devices  132 , a display  134 , and a processing unit  126  positioned at least partially within the enclosure  122 . 
     The reluctance haptic engine  100  may be positioned at least partially within the enclosure  122  of the electronic device  120  and may be configured to provide haptic outputs along an external surface (e.g., an input surface  124 ) of the electronic device  120 . In various embodiments, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may provide localized haptic outputs at particular locations or regions of the external surfaces of the electronic device  120 . In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may provide global haptic outputs along the external surfaces of the electronic device. 
     In some cases, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the reluctance haptic engine  100  may be positioned beneath and/or coupled to an input structure  140  that defines an input surface  124  of the electronic device  120 . The input structure  140  may be a portion of a device housing or cover, such as a top case of a laptop computer. In some cases, the input structure  140  is at least a portion of an input device  130 , such as a button, crown, trackpad, key, or the like. For example, the input structure  140  may be a button cap, a keycap, a trackpad cover, a crown body, or the like. In some cases, the input structure  140  is a cover positioned over a display, such as a touchscreen display. In some cases, the input structure  140  is a portion of the enclosure  122  of the electronic device  120  and is continuous with one or more additional portions of the enclosure. Inputs received at the input surface  124  and/or haptic outputs provided at the input surface  124  by the reluctance haptic engine  100  may cause the input structure  140  or portions thereof to deform or deflect with respect to other portions of the input structure  140  and/or other portions of the components defining the external surfaces of the electronic device. 
     In some cases, the input structure  140  may be a separate component from one or more other portions of the enclosure  122  of the electronic device  120 , such as a housing member  138 . In some cases, the housing member  138  and the input structure  140  cooperate to define at least part of the external surfaces of the electronic device  120 . In some cases, the input structure  140  is positioned in an opening  142  defined by the housing member  138 . The input structure  140  may be configured to move (e.g., rotate, translate, or the like) relative to one or more additional components of the electronic device  120 , such as the housing member  138 . For example, the input structure  140  may be configured to translate inward and outward (e.g., up and down with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) with respect to the housing member  138 . Inputs received at the input surface  124  and/or haptic outputs provided at the input surface  124  by the reluctance haptic engine  100  may cause the input structure  140  or portions thereof to move (e.g., translate, rotate, or the like), deform, or deflect with respect to other portions of the input structure and/or other portions of the components defining the external surfaces of the electronic device. 
     In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  100  is positioned beneath a structure that is not a portion of an input device (e.g., a portion of the enclosure  122 ) and/or the reluctance haptic engine  100  provides haptic outputs at one or more surfaces that are not input surfaces. 
     The reluctance haptic engine  100  may include an attractor  102  and a core  104 . The attractor  102  may be coupled to the core  104  by one or more flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  (individually and collectively referred to herein as flexible support members  1061 . The flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may be formed of a compliant or bendable material that allows the relative movement between the attractor  102  and the core  104 .  FIG. 1A  shows the reluctance haptic engine  100  in an unactuated configuration in which the attractor  102  and the core  104  are spaced apart by a gap  108 . In some cases, the flexible support members  106  may provide a biasing force to maintain the gap between the attractor  102  and the core  104  (e.g., in the absence of an electrical current in the conduction loops  110 ). The reluctance haptic engine  100  may include one or more spacers (e.g., spacers  116 ) between the flexible support members  106  and the attractor  102  and/or the core  104  that help to define the gap  108 .  FIG. 1B  shows the reluctance haptic engine  100  in an actuated configuration in which the gap  108  between the attractor  102  and the core  104  is reduced or eliminated. The reluctance haptic engine  100  may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine; this reluctance force may be generated in response to a force applied to the reluctance haptic engine, such as by a user input on the input surface  124  of the input structure  140 . 
     The core  104  may include one or more conduction loops  110  (e.g., electromagnetic coils, electrically conductive coils, wire loops, other electrically conductive materials, and the like). Electrical currents (e.g., alternating current, electromagnetic signals, drive signals, and the like) induced in the conduction loops  110  may generate magnetic flux. The magnetic flux passing through the attractor  102  and/or the core  104  causes a reluctance force that results in attraction between the attractor  102  and the core  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the attraction may result in displacement of the attractor  102  toward the core  104 , reducing or closing the gap  108  and thereby displacing at least a portion of the input surface  124  towards the core to produce the haptic output. Actuation of the reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce a haptic output or a portion thereof. The haptic output may be localized along at least a portion of the input structure  140  and/or a global haptic output along a larger portion or a substantial entirety of the enclosure  122 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , actuation of the reluctance haptic engine  100  may be accompanied by deformation of one or more of the flexible support members  106 . During the transition from the unactuated configuration to the actuated configuration of the reluctance haptic engine  100 , the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may deform as the gap between the attractor  102  and the core  104  is reduced. Said another way, the flexible support member  106  may transition from a non-deformed state (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1A ) to a deformed state (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1B ), or from a deformed state to a further-deformed state, as a result of the applied reluctance force, in accordance with the displacement of the attractor  102  toward the core  104 . When the reluctance force is reduced or ceases (e.g., when the electrical currents applied to the conduction loops  110  are reduced or ceased) or when the input force is reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible support members  106  may overcome the reluctance force and/or the input force and cause the biasing members to transition from a deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state to a less-deformed state), thereby displacing the attractor  102  away from the core  104  and/or reestablishing the gap  108 . Displacing the attractor  102  away from the core  104  may produce a haptic output or a portion thereof. 
     The attractor  102  may be attached or otherwise coupled to a component (e.g., the input structure  140 ) defining the input surface  124  of the electronic device  120 . In some cases, the attractor  102  is the input structure  140 . The core  104  may be fixed with respect to the enclosure  122  such that the core does not move with respect to the enclosure  122 . The core  104  may be attached or otherwise coupled to a frame  114  that is fixed with respect the enclosure  122  (e.g., housing member  138 ) the attractor  102  moves relative to the core  104 , the frame  114 , and/or the housing member  138 . The displacement of the attractor  102  may cause a corresponding movement and/or deformation of the portion of the input surface  124  defined by the input structure  140 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the input surface  124  may be displaced downward, or toward the core  104 , as the attractor  102  moves toward the core. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  100  is coupled to the input structure  140  by one or more connection elements  112 . The connection elements  112  may transfer motion from the reluctance haptic engine  100  to the input structure  140 , thereby producing a haptic output along, or, or through the input surface  124 . 
     In various embodiments, the positions of the attractor  102  and the core  104  may be reversed from what is shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . For example, the attractor  102  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the frame  114  and the core may be attached or otherwise coupled to the input structure  140 , such that movement of the core  104  relative to the attractor  102 , the frame  114 , and/or the housing member  138  causes a corresponding displacement and/or deformation of the portion of the input surface  124  defined by the input structure  140 . As such, while the examples described herein describe displacement of the attractor  102 , they are meant to encompass examples in which the core  104  is displaced. 
     The reluctance haptic engine  100  may provide a haptic output by deflecting or deforming a portion of the enclosure  122 . For example, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may deflect or displace a portion of the enclosure  122  inward and/or outward to provide a haptic output at the input surface  124 . Deflection or other movement of the enclosure  122  against a user&#39;s skin may produce a haptic output can be perceived by the user. 
     The reluctance haptic engine  100  may provide a haptic output by oscillating, vibrating, translating and/or rotating a component of the electronic device  120  relative to other components of the electronic device  120 . For example, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may cause the input structure  140  to move relative to one or more other portions of the enclosure  122  of the electronic device  120 . The movement of the input structure  140  may be inward, (e.g., downward with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), outward (e.g., upward with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), lateral (e.g., left-to-right and/or right-to-left with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ), vibratory, oscillating, or some combination thereof. In some cases, the haptic output provided by the reluctance haptic engine  100  corresponds to an input received at the input structure  140 . For example, in response to an inward force applied to the input structure  140  (e.g., downward with respect to  FIG. 1B ), the reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce a haptic output that moves the input structure  140  inward to accompany the inward force. 
     In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may provide a global haptic output by moving a mass or weighted member within the enclosure. The reluctance haptic engine  100  may cause the mass or weighted member to move and, in some cases, oscillate, to produce a perceptible vibration or tactile effect along an external surface of the electronic device  120 . 
     The attractor  102  may be or include a permanent magnet (e.g., formed of or including a magnetic material), an electromagnet, or it may be or include a ferromagnetic element (e.g., formed of or including ferromagnetic material) that does not produce a magnetic field absent the influence of another magnetic field. Example magnetic materials include, but are not limited to, magnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other suitable materials. Example ferromagnetic materials include, but are not limited to, unmagnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other suitable materials. In some cases, the attractor  102  is formed of or includes an iron-cobalt alloy with equal parts iron and cobalt (e.g., FeCo50). The type of material used for the attractor  102  may depend on various factors, such as the particular electromagnetic interaction that the haptic output system uses to produce the haptic output. 
     The core  104  may be or include any suitable material or combination of materials, including metal, plastic, composites, ceramics, and the like. The core  104  may be or include a permanent magnet, or it may be or include a ferromagnetic element that does not produce a magnetic field absent the influence of another magnetic field. In some cases, the core  104  is formed of or includes an iron-cobalt alloy with equal parts iron and cobalt (e.g., FeCo50). In some cases, the core  104  is formed of or includes stainless steel, such as grade 430 stainless steel. The type of material used for the core  104  may depend on various factors, such as the particular electromagnetic interaction that the haptic output system uses to produce the haptic output. 
     The reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce haptic outputs in response to receiving one or more signals from the processing unit  126 . In some cases, the haptic outputs may correspond to inputs received by the electronic device  120  and/or outputs provided by the electronic device. The haptic outputs may correspond to operational states, events, or other conditions at the electronic device  120 , including inputs received at the electronic device (e.g., touch inputs, rotational inputs, translational inputs), outputs of the electronic device (e.g., graphical outputs, audio outputs, haptic outputs), applications and processes executing on the electronic device, predetermined sequences, user interface commands (e.g., volume, zoom, or brightness controls, audio or video controls, scrolling on a list or page, and the like), and the like. The reluctance haptic engine  100  may be operably coupled to the processing unit  126  via a connector  128   a  and/or via one or more additional components of the electronic device  120 . In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce audio outputs in addition to or as an alternative to producing haptic outputs. For example, actuation of the reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce a sound. Audio outputs may be produced in response to any of the conditions, inputs, or the like discussed above with respect to haptic outputs. In some cases, audio outputs and haptic outputs are produced by the same actuation or actuations of the reluctance haptic engine  100 . 
     As noted above, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine and/or in response to a force applied to the reluctance haptic engine, such as by a user input on the input structure  140 . In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine may include sensing elements that may be used to determine whether and to what degree the haptic device has been actuated, either by an input or a reluctance force. 
     Still with respect to  FIG. 1B , the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may include one or more sensing elements  118  that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b . As noted above, the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may deflect or deform in response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, for example by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing elements  118  may include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors) positioned along the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  and configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. Additionally or alternatively, other types of sensing elements may be used for sensing actuation. As one example, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may include one or more capacitive sensors. A first capacitive electrode may be positioned on the attractor  102  and a second capacitive electrode may be positioned on the core  104 , and a change in a capacitance between the two electrodes may be used to determine the relative position of the core and the attractor. Similarly, a first capacitive electrode may be positioned on a flexible support member  106   a ,  106   b , and a second capacitive electrode may be positioned on the frame  114 . 
     In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements  118  may be used to determine spatial parameters of the attractor  102 , the core  104 , the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b , and/or the input structure  140 . The spatial parameters may include, but are not limited to a position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The spatial parameters determined from the signals provided by the sensing elements  118  may be used to determine a location and/or magnitude (e.g., force measurement) of an input to the input structure  140 . For example, a location of an input may be determined by determining a difference between output signals of two or more sensing elements  118 . The magnitude of one or more output signals may be used to estimate a magnitude of force applied to the input structure  140 . 
     In some cases, the processing unit  126  may analyze detected changes in inductance between the attractor and the core to detect inputs. In some embodiments an isolated inductive sensing coil may be positioned on the frame  114  and may be used to detect inputs by detecting a change in an air gap between the frame  114  and the flexible support member(s)  106   a  and/or  106   b . Additionally or alternatively, an isolated inductive sensing coil may be positioned on or otherwise coupled to a flexible support member  106   a  and/or  106   b , and may be used to detect inputs by detecting a change in an air gap between the flexible support member(s)  106   a  and/or  106   b  and the frame  114 . 
     In some cases, in response to detecting an input to the input structure  140 , the processing unit  126  causes the reluctance haptic engine  100  to produce a haptic output. For example, in response to receiving an inward (e.g., downward with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) press on the input structure  140 , the reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce a haptic output by generating a reluctance force that applies a further inward force on the input structure  140  to accentuate the user input. 
     In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements  118  may be used to determine characteristics of haptic outputs provided by the reluctance haptic engine  100 . Characteristics of the haptic outputs may include a strength of the haptic output, a frequency of movement associated with the haptic output, or the like. The processing unit  126  may determine the haptic output characteristics by using the signals provided by the sensing elements  118  to determine spatial parameters of the attractor  102 , the core  104 , the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  and/or the input structure  140  caused by a reluctance force. The processing unit  126  may use the determined spatial parameters and/or haptic output characteristics to adjust the haptic outputs by changing signal characteristics (e.g., frequency, amplitude, waveform, etc.) of the electrical current provided to the conduction loops  110 . 
     A first flexible support member  106  may be coupled to a first side of the core  104 , and a second flexible support member  106  may be coupled to a second side of the core  104  that is opposite the first side, as shown in  FIG. 1A . Positioning the flexible support members  106  on opposite sides of the core may provide enhanced stability for the attractor  102  and/or the core  104  and may allow the sensing elements  118  positioned along the flexible support members to more effectively be used to detect the locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback related to haptic outputs. 
     The flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including metal, plastic, composites, ceramics, and the like. The flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may be formed of a compliant or bendable material that allows the relative movement between the attractor  102  and the core  104 . In some cases, the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  are formed of stainless steel, such as grade 301 stainless steel. The spacers  116  may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including metal, plastic, composites, ceramics, and the like. In some cases, the spacers  116  are formed of stainless steel, such as grade 301 stainless steel. The frame  114  may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including metal, plastic, composites, ceramics, and the like. In some cases, the frame  114  is formed of stainless steel, such as grade 316 stainless steel. In various embodiments, the spacers  116  and/or the frame  114  may be omitted from the reluctance haptic engine  100 . For example, the flexible support members  106   a ,  106   b  may be directly attached to the attractor  102  and/or the core  104 , or the attractor  102  and/or the core  104  may be directly attached to the enclosure  122  (or coupled to the enclosure via one or more additional components of the electronic device  120 ). 
     In various embodiments, the display  134  may be positioned at least partially within the enclosure  122 . The display  134  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  120 . In one embodiment, the display  134  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. The display  134  is operably coupled to the processing unit  126  of the electronic device  120 , for example by a connector  128   b . In some cases, the graphical output of the display  134  is visible along at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic device  120 . 
     In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  134  is responsive to inputs provided at the display and one or more additional input devices  130 . For example, the processing unit  126  may be configured to modify the graphical output of the display  134  in response to determining an electrocardiogram, receiving rotational inputs, receiving translational inputs, or receiving touch inputs. In some cases, a haptic output provided by the reluctance haptic engine  100  corresponds to the graphical output of the display  134 . In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  100  may produce a haptic output that is coordinated with a change in the graphical output of the display  134 . For example, the haptic output may be produced at or near the same time as the change in the graphical output of the display  134 . In some cases, a time that the haptic output is produced overlaps a time that the graphical output of the display  134  changes. 
     The display  134  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  134  is positioned beneath and viewable through the cover. 
     Broadly, the input devices  130  may detect various types of input, and the output devices  132  may provide various types of output. The input structure  140 , either alone or in combination with the reluctance haptic engine  100  may be an example of an input device  130 . Similarly, the input structure  140 , either alone or in combination with the reluctance haptic engine  100  may be an example of an output device  132 . The processing unit  126  may be operably coupled to the input devices  130  and the output devices  132 , for example by connectors  128   c  and  128   d . The processing unit  126  may receive input signals from the input devices  130 , in response to inputs detected by the input devices. The processing unit  126  may interpret input signals received from one or more of the input devices  130  and transmit output signals to one or more of the output devices  132 . The output signals may cause the output devices  132  to provide one or more outputs. Detected input at one or more of the input devices  130  may be used to control one or more functions of the electronic device  120 . In some cases, one or more of the output devices  132  may be configured to provide outputs that are dependent on, or manipulated in response to, the input detected by one or more of the input devices  130 . The outputs provided by one or more of the output devices  132  may also be responsive to, or initiated by, a program or application executed by the processing unit  126  and/or an associated companion device. In some cases, the output devices  132  may include a speaker, and the processing unit  126  may cause the speaker to produce an audio output in conjunction with a haptic output provided using the reluctance haptic engine  100 . Examples of suitable processing units, input devices, output devices, and displays, are discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an example reluctance haptic engine  200  that includes an attractor  202 , a core  204 , and flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  configured to define a gap between the attractor and the core and allow movement between the attractor and the core.  FIG. 2B  shows an exploded view of the various components of the reluctance haptic engine  200 . The core  204  may include multiple layered components. For example, the core may include layered components  204   a ,  204   b ,  204   c , and  204   d . The layered construction of the core  204  may simplify manufacturing by allowing the components to be stamped and subsequently attached or coupled together. This may provide advantages over molding, machining, or other manufacturing techniques. 
     As the attractor  202  is depressed, whether by a reluctance force caused by electrical currents in the conduction loops  210 , a force applied to the attractor  202  (e.g., by a user input), or some combination thereof, the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  deform to allow the attractor  202  to move relative to the core  204 , as shown and described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2D and 2E . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the core  204  may include tabs  250  extending from opposing sides of the core. The tabs  250  may be configured to be attached or otherwise coupled to opposing ends of the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b . For example, a first end portion  236   a  of the flexible support member  206   a  may be attached to a first tab  250 , and a second end portion  236   b  of the flexible support member  206   b  opposite the first end portion  236   a  may be attached to a second tab  250 . The flexible support member  206   a  may extend between the first and second tabs  250 . The flexible support member  206   b  may be similarly positioned with respect to third and fourth tabs  250  extending from an opposite side of the core  204 . A middle portion of each flexible support member  206   a ,  206   b  between the end portions of the flexible support member may deform as the gap between the attractor and the core is reduced. 
     The flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  extend between tabs of the core  204  and may allow the central portion of the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  to deform or deflect. This, in turn, allows relative movement of the attractor  202  with respect to the core  204 . In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  200  includes one or more spacers that couple the attractor  202  to the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b . A spacer  216  may be positioned between the attractor  202  and each flexible support member  206   a ,  206   b  to transfer force from the attractor  202  to the flexible support members. The spacer  216  may be positioned between the end portions  236   a ,  236   b  of the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b . In some cases, the spacer  216  concentrates forces applied to the attractor  202  to a central portion of each flexible support member  206   a ,  206   b  so that the bending of the flexible support members is constrained along less of its length. 
     Two tabs  250  may extend from a first side of the core  204  and two tabs  250  may extend from a second side of the core opposite the first side. In various embodiments the core  204  may include more or fewer tabs  250 . A first flexible support member  206   a  may be coupled to the tabs  250  extending from the first side of the core  204 , and a second flexible support member  206   b  may be coupled to the tabs  250  extending from the second side of the core  204  that is opposite the first side, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
     Positioning the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  on opposite sides of the core may provide enhanced stability for the attractor  202  and may allow sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b  positioned along the flexible support members to more effectively be used to detect the locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback related to haptic outputs. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the reluctance haptic engine  200  may include two flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  that are parallel to one another and separated by a gap. In various embodiments, the reluctance haptic engine  200  may include more or fewer flexible support members. In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine  200  may include one or more additional flexible support members that extend beneath the attractor  202  in a direction that is 90 degrees offset from the direction that the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  extend (e.g., 90 degrees offset from a direction from the first end portion  236   a  to the second end portion  236   b ). Said another way, the additional flexible support members may be rotated 90 degrees compared to the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  along a plane that is parallel to the top surface of the attractor  202 . 
     As noted above, each flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may include one or more sensing elements (e.g., sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b ) that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b . As noted above, the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may deflect or deform in response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, for example by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b  may include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors) positioned along each flexible support member and configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. 
     The spatial parameters determined from the signals provided by the sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b  may be used to determine a location and/or magnitude (e.g., force measurement) of an input. In some cases, the signals provided by the sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b  may be used to determine characteristics of haptic outputs provided by the reluctance haptic engine  200 , which may be used to adjust the haptic outputs by changing signal characteristics (e.g., frequency, amplitude, waveform, etc.) of the electrical current provided to the conduction loops  210 . 
     In some cases, the sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b  may be positioned on opposite sides of the spacer  216 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2B , the sensing element  218   a  may be positioned between the first end portion of the flexible support member  206   a  and the spacer  216 , and the sensing element  218   b  may be positioned between the second end portion of the flexible support member  206   a  and the spacer  216 . The sensing elements  218   a ,  218   b  may output different signals that may be compared to determine characteristics of an input or haptic output. 
     The attractor  202  may include wings  252  that extend from opposite sides of the attractor  202 . The wings  252  may be configured to fit between the tabs  250  to allow the attractor  202  to depress past the tabs  250 . 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-section view of the reluctance haptic engine  200 , taken through section line A-A of  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2C , the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  maintain a gap  208  between the attractor  202  and the core  204 . As electrical current is applied to the conduction loops  210 , magnetic flux (represented by lines  254 ) is generated, which produces a reluctance force that draws the attractor  202  toward the core  204 , and actuating the reluctance haptic engine  200  by closing or reducing the gap  208 . 
       FIGS. 2D and 2E  illustrate cross-section views of the reluctance haptic engine  200 , taken through section line B-B of  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2D , the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may be attached or otherwise coupled to tabs  250  of the core  204 .  FIG. 2A  shows the reluctance haptic engine  200  in an unactuated configuration in which the attractor  202  and the core  204  are spaced apart by a gap  208 . The flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  and spacers  216  may define the gap  208  between the attractor  202  and the core  204 . 
       FIG. 2E  shows the reluctance haptic engine  200  in an actuated configuration in which the gap  208  between the attractor  202  and the core  204  is reduced or eliminated. The reluctance haptic engine  200  may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine and/or in response to a force applied to the reluctance haptic engine, such as by a user input on the input structure  240 . In some cases, the attractor  202  contacts the core  204  in an actuated configuration. In some cases, the attractor  202  does not contact the core  204  in an actuated configuration. Actuation of the reluctance haptic engine  200  may produce a haptic output or a portion thereof. The haptic output may be a localized haptic output along at least a portion of the input structure  140  and/or a global haptic output along a larger portion or a substantial entirety of the enclosure  122 . 
     As noted above, the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may deform as the reluctance haptic engine  200  actuates (e.g., as the attractor  202  moves toward the core  204 ). When the reluctance force is reduced or ceases (e.g., when the electrical currents applied to the conduction loops  210  are reduced or ceased) or when the input force is reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may overcome the reluctance force and/or the input force and cause the biasing members to transition from a deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state to a less-deformed state), thereby displacing the attractor  202  away from the core  204  and/or reestablishing the gap  208 . Displacing the attractor  202  away from the core  204  may produce a haptic output or a portion thereof, similar to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine  100  discussed above. 
     Similar to the reluctance haptic engine  100 , the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may include one or more sensing elements that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. As noted above, the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  may deflect or deform in response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, for example by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing elements may include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors) positioned along the flexible support members  206   a ,  206   b  and configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an example electronic device  320  that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members, configured as a laptop. The laptop  320  is similar to the electronic devices discussed herein, and may include similar features and/or components, including an enclosure  322  comprising an upper portion  322   a  hingedly coupled to a lower portion  322   b . A display  334  is located in the upper portion  322   a  of the enclosure  322 . The electronic device  320  further includes input structures  340   a  and  340   b , which define input surfaces  324   a ,  324   b  of the electronic device  320 , respectively. In the example of  FIG. 3A , the input structure  340   a  is implemented as a trackpad or trackpad cover, and the input structure  340   b  is implemented as a key or keycap of a keyboard. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the electronic device  320 , showing reluctance haptic engines  300  positioned beneath the trackpad  340   a . The reluctance haptic engines  300  may be similar to other reluctance haptic engines discussed herein, and may include the same or similar features and functionality. The trackpad  340   a  may be positioned in an opening defined in the lower portion  322   b  of the enclosure. The electronic device  320  may include a frame  345  configured to couple the reluctance haptic engines  300  to the lower portion  322   b  of the enclosure. The trackpad  340   a  may include multiple layers, such as a cover layer (e.g., a glass cover layer) defining the input surface  324   a , a touch-sensitive layer (e.g., a touch PCB) configured to detect locations and/or forces of inputs received on the input surface  324   a , spacer layers, adhesive layers, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , multiple reluctance haptic engine  300  may be positioned beneath the trackpad  340   a . The reluctance haptic engines  300  may be used to provide localized haptic outputs at different locations along the input surface  324   a , for example by bending or deflecting the trackpad  340   a  downward. The reluctance haptic engines  300  may additionally be used to sense inputs received at the trackpad  340   a . For example, sensors positioned on the flexible support members of the haptic devices may be configured to detect the location and/or magnitude of one or more inputs to the trackpad  340   a  as well as to provide feedback regarding haptic outputs as discussed above. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an example electronic device  420  that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members. The electronic device  420  is a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, portable, media player, mobile device, or the like. The electronic device  420  includes an enclosure  422  at least partially surrounding a display  434 , and one or more input structures  440   a  and  440   b  defining input surfaces  424   a ,  424   b , respectively. The input structures  440   a  and  440   b  of the electronic device  420  may be similar to the input structures discussed herein and may include similar structure and/or functionality. The electronic device  420  can also include one or more internal components (not shown) typical of a computing or electronic device, such as, for example, one or more processing units, memory components, network interfaces, and so on. 
     The input structures  440   a  and  440   b  may be configured to control various functions and components of the electronic device  420 , such as a graphical output of the display  434 , an audio output, powering the electronic device on and off, and the like. An input structure  440   a ,  440   b  may be configured, for example, as a power button, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, or the like. 
     The enclosure  422  provides a device structure, defines an internal volume of the electronic device  420 , and houses device components. In various embodiments, the enclosure  422  may be constructed from any suitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, and the like), polymers, ceramics (e.g., glass, sapphire), and the like. In one embodiment, the enclosure  422  is constructed from multiple materials. The enclosure  422  can form an external surface or partial external surface and protective case for the internal components of the electronic device  420 , and may at least partially surround the display  434 . The enclosure  422  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure  422  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  434 . 
     The display  434  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. The display  434  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  420 . In one embodiment, the display  434  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  434  is responsive to inputs provided to the input structures  440   a  and  440   b.    
       FIGS. 4B and 4C  illustrate partial cross-section views of the electronic device  420  showing the input structure  440   a  and a reluctance haptic engine  400  positioned beneath the input structure, taken through section line C-C of  FIG. 4A . The input structure  440   a  may be positioned in a recess  450  in the enclosure  422 . The input structure  440   a  may include or be coupled to one or more shafts  452  extending through openings  454  into an interior volume  456  of the electronic device  420 . The input structure  440   a  may be attached or otherwise coupled to a reluctance haptic engine  400  configured to provide haptic outputs and/or detect inputs at the input surface  424   a  of the input structure  440   a . As shown in  FIG. 4B , each of the shafts  452  may be attached or otherwise coupled to a flexible support member  406   a ,  406   b  to couple the input structure  440   a  to the reluctance haptic engine  400 . The reluctance haptic engine  400  may include an attractor  402 , a core  404 , conduction loops  410 , and the flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b.    
     A first end of each flexible support member  406   a ,  406   b  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the enclosure  422  (e.g., by a spacer  416 ), the frame  414 , or another component of the electronic device. A second end of each flexible support member  406   a ,  406   b  may be attached or otherwise coupled to a core  404  such that the core  404  is able to move relative to the enclosure  422 , the frame  414 , and/or the attractor  402 . A first end portion of a first flexible support member  406   a  may be fixed with respect to (e.g., coupled or attached to) a first side of the core  404 , and a first end portion of a second flexible support member  406   b  may be fixed with respect to (e.g., coupled or attached to) a second side of the core  404  that is opposite the first side, as shown in  FIG. 4B . Second end portions of the first and second flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  may be fixed with respect to (e.g., coupled or attached to) the enclosure. The input structure  440   a  may be coupled or attached to a middle portion of each flexible support member  406   a ,  406   b , for example by the shafts  452 . 
     Positioning the flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  on opposite sides of the core may provide enhanced stability for the core  404  and/or the input structure  440   a , and may allow sensing elements positioned along the flexible support members to more effectively be used to detect the locations and/or magnitudes of inputs and/or feedback related to haptic outputs. 
     The attractor  402  may be fixed with respect to the enclosure  422  such that the attractor  402  does not move with respect to the enclosure. The core  404  may be configured to move with respect to the attractor  402  and/or the enclosure  422 . In some cases, the enclosure  422  may be coupled or otherwise attached to the frame  414  and/or another component that is fixed with respect to the enclosure  422 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows the reluctance haptic engine  400  in an unactuated configuration in which the attractor  402  and the core  404  are spaced apart by a gap  408 . The flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  and/or the spacers  416  may maintain the gap  408  between the attractor  402  and the core  404 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows the reluctance haptic engine  400  in an actuated configuration in which the gap  408  between the attractor  402  and the core  404  is reduced or eliminated. The reluctance haptic engine  400  may actuate (e.g., transition from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration) in response to a reluctance force generated within the reluctance haptic engine and/or in response to a force applied to the reluctance haptic engine, such as by a user input on the input structure  440   a . As shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the attractor  402  may be fixed with respect to a frame  414  and/or the enclosure  422 , and the core  404  may move toward the attractor  402  as the reluctance haptic engine  400  actuates. In some cases, the attractor  402  contacts the core  404  in an actuated configuration. In some cases, the attractor  402  does not contact the core  404  in an actuated configuration. Actuation of the reluctance haptic engine  400  may produce a haptic output or a portion thereof. The haptic output may be a localized haptic output along at least a portion of the input surface  424   a  of the input structure  440   a  and/or a global haptic output along a larger portion or a substantial entirety of the enclosure  422 . 
     As noted above, the flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  may deform as the reluctance haptic engine  400  actuates (e.g., as the core  404  moves toward the attractor  402 ). When the reluctance force is reduced or ceases (e.g., when the electrical currents applied to the conduction loops  410  are reduced or ceased) or when the input force is reduced or ceased, the biasing force of the flexible support members  406  may overcome the reluctance force and/or the input force and cause the biasing members to transition from a deformed state to the non-deformed state (or from a deformed state to a less-deformed state), thereby displacing the attractor  402  away from the core  404  and/or reestablishing the gap  408 . Displacing the attractor  402  away from the core  404  may produce a haptic output or a portion thereof, similar to actuation of the reluctance haptic engines  100 ,  200  discussed above. 
     Similar to the reluctance haptic engine  100 , the flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  may include one or more sensing elements that may be used to sense actuation based on measuring deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. As noted above, the flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  may deflect or deform in response to actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, for example by a user input and/or a reluctance force. The sensing elements may include one or more sensors (e.g., strain sensors) positioned along the flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  and configured to output a signal that varies based on the deflection and/or deformation of the flexible support members. 
     The core  404  and/or the conduction loop  410  may be communicably coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic device  420  via a connectors  428   a . In some cases, the connector may be or include one or more traces in a flex or other cable. In some cases, multiple connectors may be incorporated into a single flex or cable. 
     The flexible support members  406   a ,  406   b  may be communicably coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic device  420  via connectors  428   b ,  428   c . In some cases, the connectors may be or include one or more traces in a flex or other cable. In some cases, multiple connectors may be incorporated into a single flex or cable. 
     Even though in  FIGS. 4B and 4C  the attractor  402  is shown as fixed with respect to the frame  414  and/or the enclosure  422  and the core  404  is shown as movable relative to the enclosure  422  and/or the frame  414 , in various embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, the core  404  may be fixed relative to the frame  414  and/or the enclosure  422  and the attractor  402  may be movable relative to the frame  414  and/or the enclosure  422 . 
     The reluctance haptic engine  400  of  FIGS. 4B and 4C  may translate the input structure  440   a  along a path that is perpendicular to the input surface (e.g., up and down with respect to  FIGS. 4B and 4C ). In various embodiments, reluctance haptic engines may be configured to move input structures in different directions or in multiple directions. For example,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate partial cross-section views of an electronic device with an example reluctance haptic engine  500  with flexible support members configured to translate an input structure  540  along a path that is parallel to an input surface  524  (e.g., left and right with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The reluctance haptic engine  500  may be positioned beneath an input structure  540  defining the input surface  524  and positioned in a recess  550  in the enclosure  522  of an electronic device and/or at least partially within an interior volume of the electronic device. The attractor  502  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the input structure  540 . The attractor  502  may be positioned laterally adjacent to one or more cores  504   a ,  504   b  such that attraction between the attractor and the core(s) causes lateral (e.g., left-to-right or right-to-left) movement of the attractor and the input structure  540 . In some cases, the attractor  502  is positioned between two cores  504   a  and  504   b  and separated therefrom by gaps  508   a  and  508   b , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may attach or otherwise couple the input structure  540  to the enclosure  522 . In some cases, the flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may attach or otherwise couple the input structure  540  to a frame or another component that is fixed with respect to the enclosure  522 . As noted above, the flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may be formed of a compliant or bendable material that allows the relative movement between the attractor  502  and the cores  504   a ,  504   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , as electrical current is applied to the conduction loops  510   a  of the core  504   a , magnetic flux is generated, which produces a reluctance force that causes the attractor  502  to move toward the core  504   a , which closes or reduces the gap  508   a  and causes the input structure  540  to move laterally (e.g., to the left with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). Similarly, as electrical current is applied to the conduction loops  510   b  of the core  504   b , magnetic flux is generated, which produces a reluctance force that causes the attractor  502  to move toward the core  504   b , which closes or reduces the gap  508   b  and causes the input structure  540  to move laterally (e.g., to the right with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The conduction loops  510   a ,  510   b  may be energized in a sequence that causes bi-directional movement of the input structure  540  (e.g., rightward and leftward with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). 
     In some cases, the attractor  502  contacts the core(s)  502   a ,  502   b  in the actuated configuration. As noted above, the flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may deform as the attractor moves left and/or right. When the electrical signals are removed or reduced, the flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may cause the input structure  540  to return to the position shown in  FIG. 5A  to reestablish the gaps  508   a ,  508   b.    
     The cores  504   a ,  504   b  and/or the conduction loops  510   a ,  510   b  may be communicably coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic device via a connectors  528   a ,  528   b . In some cases, the connectors may be or include one or more traces in a flex or other cable. In some cases, multiple connectors may be incorporated into a single flex or cable. 
     As noted above, the flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may include one or more sensing elements configured to determine the position, displacement, velocity, acceleration and other spatial parameters of the input structure  540   a . The determined spatial parameters may be used, for example by a processing unit of the electronic device  520  to determine locations and/or forces of inputs to the input structure  540 , as well as to provide feedback regarding haptic outputs as discussed above. The flexible support members  506   a ,  506   b  may be communicably coupled to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic device  520  via connectors  528   c ,  528   d . In some cases, the connectors may be or include one or more traces in a flex or other cable. In some cases, multiple connectors may be incorporated into a single flex or cable. 
     In  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the attractor  502  is shown as fixed with respect to the input structure  540  and the cores  504   a ,  504   b  is shown as fixed relative to the enclosure. However, in various embodiments within the scope of this disclosure, the cores  504   a ,  504   b  may be fixed relative to the input structure  540  and the attractor  502  may be fixed relative to the enclosure  522 . 
     The reluctance haptic engine  400  of  FIGS. 4B and 4C  is configured to move the input structure  440   a  up and down with respect to  FIGS. 4B and 4C , or in and out with respect to the surface of the enclosure  422 . The reluctance haptic engine  500  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  is configured to move the input structure  540  left and right with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In various embodiments, reluctance haptic engines may be configured to move input structures in different directions or in multiple directions. A reluctance haptic engine  500  may include multiple coils and/or actuators configured to move an input structure in multiple directions. For example, any number of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1A-5B  may be combined to move an input surface laterally and/or in and out with respect to an enclosure. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a flowchart of an example method  600  for producing a haptic output at an electronic device using a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members. At block  610 , the electronic device detects an input at the electronic device. For example, the input may be an input to a button or other input structure. As another example, the input may be a rotational input at a crown detected by sensing rotational movement of the crown. As still another example, the input may be a touch input detected along a touch-sensitive display. In some cases, the processing unit may determine whether the input exceeds a threshold level of movement (e.g., a threshold level of rotational movement, a threshold level of translation, etc.) In some cases, the method only proceeds if the input exceeds the threshold level of movement. 
     At block  620 , the processing unit determines an output to be produced by the electronic device in response to the input received at block  610 . In some cases, the output is determined in response to detecting the input at block  610 . In some cases, the output corresponds to one or more characteristics of the input detected at block  610 . For example, the output may correspond to a force of the input, a location of the input, a rotational speed or position of the crown, an output associated with a rotational input, a user interface command associated with the user input, or the like. The processing unit may determine one or more characteristics of the input. 
     In some cases, determining the output at block  620  may include determining a strength, length, or other characteristics of a haptic output to be produced. For example, the processing unit may determine whether to provide a localized haptic output or a global haptic output based, at least in part, on a characteristic of the input. 
     At block  630 , the processing unit outputs an output signal to provide a haptic output that corresponds to the output determined at block  620 . The output signal may be transmitted to a reluctance haptic engine of the electronic device to direct the reluctance haptic engine to produce the haptic output. 
     At block  640 , in response to receiving the output signal from the processing unit, the electronic device applies electrical current to conduction loops of a reluctance haptic engine to cause the reluctance haptic engine to actuate (e.g., move from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration). In some cases, actuation of one or more reluctance haptic engines produces a first portion of the haptic output, for example by causing an input structure to move. As noted above, a gap between an attractor and a core of the reluctance haptic engine may be reduced or closed (e.g., the attractor may move toward the core and/or the core may move toward the attractor), thereby moving an input structure coupled to the attractor or the core (e.g., along a path that is parallel to an input surface of the input structure, along a path that is perpendicular to the input surface, or along a different path). 
     In some cases, following actuation of the reluctance haptic engine, the electrical current may be ceased, reduced, or otherwise changed, which causes the reluctance haptic engine to be restored (either partially or fully) to its initial configuration (e.g., to reestablish a gap between an attractor and one or more cores). As noted above, a gap between an attractor and a core of the reluctance haptic engine may be increased or restored (e.g., the attractor may move away from the core and/or the core may move away from the attractor), thereby moving an input structure coupled to the attractor or the core (e.g., along a path that is parallel to an input surface of the input structure, along a path that is perpendicular to the input surface, or along a different path). 
     In some cases, one or more reluctance haptic engines being restored produces a second portion of the haptic output, for example by causing the input structure to move. As noted above, in some cases, flexible support members of the reluctance haptic engine at least partially causes the restoration of the reluctance haptic engine, for example by applying a biasing force to move the attractor and/or the core(s) to an initial position. 
     In some cases, the reluctance haptic engine being restored may prepare the reluctance haptic engine for a subsequent actuation. In various embodiments, once the reluctance haptic engine has been restored (either partially or fully), it may be subsequently actuated by applying additional electrical current to the conduction loops (e.g., in response to receiving another output signal from the processing unit) to provide a third portion of the haptic output. The reluctance haptic engine may be subsequently restored (either partially or fully) to its initial configuration (either partially or fully), which may provide a fourth portion of the haptic output. Actuation and restoration may be repeated to repeatedly move the input structure in alternating directions to produce one or more haptic outputs and/or portions thereof. 
     The method  600  is an example method for providing haptic outputs and is not meant to be limiting. Methods for providing haptic outputs may omit and/or add steps to the method  600 . Similarly, steps of the method  600  may be performed in different orders than the example order discussed above. The method  600  refers to providing haptic outputs in response to an input, but this is just one example. Haptic outputs may also be provided in response to a system state, an application operation on a device, a device state (e.g., temperature), application or system alerts (e.g., calendar alerts, notifications, alarms, and the like), incoming communications, push notifications, and so on. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example electronic device  720  that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine with flexible support members, configured as an electronic watch. The electronic watch  720  is similar to the electronic devices discussed herein, and may include similar features and/or components, including a device enclosure  722 , one or more input structures  740   a ,  740   b , one or more output devices, a display positioned beneath the cover  774 , and a processing unit positioned at least partially within the enclosure  722 . 
     In some cases, the electronic device  720  includes a crown  740   b  configured to receive translational inputs, rotational inputs, and/or touch inputs. Inputs received at the crown  740   b  may result in changes in outputs provided by the electronic device  720  such as a graphical output of the display, and/or otherwise modify operations of the electronic device. In some cases, the crown  740   b  may be positioned along a side of the enclosure  722 , and may extend through an opening defined in the enclosure. The crown  740   b  may include a user-rotatable crown body and a shaft. The crown body may be positioned at least partially outside of the device enclosure  722  and may be coupled to the shaft. In some cases, the shaft extends from the crown body and extends through the opening defined in the enclosure. 
     In some cases, the electronic watch  720  may include a conductive portion that may be used to perform an ECG measurement. The crown body or another input structure may define a conductive surface for receiving touch inputs. In some cases, the conductive surface functions as an electrode to sense voltages or signals indicative of one or more touch inputs and/or biological parameters, such as an electrocardiogram, of a user in contact with the conductive surface. The enclosure  722  may define a touch-sensitive or conductive surface that is electrically coupled to the processing unit and also functions as an electrode. The processing unit may determine an electrocardiogram using outputs of the electrodes of the crown body and the enclosure  722 . In various embodiments, the crown  740   b  is electrically isolated from the enclosure  722 , for example to allow separate measurements at the electrodes. In various embodiments, the crown body may be electrically coupled to the processing unit or another circuit of the electronic device  720 , for example via a connector and/or the shaft. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device  800  that may incorporate a reluctance haptic engine. The electronic device may in some cases take the form of any of the electronic devices described with reference to  FIGS. 1A-7 , or other portable or wearable electronic devices. The electronic device  800  can include a display  812  (e.g., a light-emitting display), a processing unit  802 , a power source  814 , a memory  804  or storage device, an input device  806  (e.g., a crown, a button), and an output device  810  (e.g., a reluctance haptic engine). 
     The processing unit  802  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  800 . The processing unit  802  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the electronic device  800 . For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism  816  can provide communication between the processing unit  802 , the power source  814 , the memory  804 , the input device(s)  806 , and the output device(s)  810 . 
     The processing unit  802  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit  802  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing unit” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device  800  can be controlled by multiple processing units. For example, select components of the electronic device  800  (e.g., an input device  806 ) may be controlled by a first processing unit and other components of the electronic device  800  (e.g., the display  812 ) may be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and second processing units may or may not be in communication with each other. In some cases, the processing unit  802  may determine a biological parameter of a user of the electronic device, such as an ECG for the user. 
     The power source  814  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  800 . For example, the power source  814  may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source  814  can be a power connector or power cord that connects the electronic device  800  to another power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     The memory  804  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  800 . For example, the memory  804  can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory  804  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  804  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     In various embodiments, the display  812  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  800 . In one embodiment, the display  812  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. For example, the display  812  may be integrated with a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and/or a force sensor to provide a touch- and/or force-sensitive display. The display  812  is operably coupled to the processing unit  802  of the electronic device  800 . 
     The display  812  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  812  is positioned beneath and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an enclosure of the electronic device  800 . 
     In various embodiments, the input devices  806  may include any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input devices  806  include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or invisible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), location sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and so on, or some combination thereof. Each input device  806  may be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. The signal may be provided, for example, to the processing unit  802 . 
     As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s)  806  include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated with the display  812  to provide a touch-sensitive display. Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s)  806  include a force sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the display  812  to provide a force-sensitive display. 
     The output devices  810  may include any suitable components for providing outputs. Examples of output devices  810  include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and so on, or some combination thereof. Each output device  810  may be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit  802 ) and provide an output corresponding to the signal. 
     In some cases, input devices  806  and output devices  810  are implemented together as a single device. For example, an input/output device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections. 
     The processing unit  802  may be operably coupled to the input devices  806  and the output devices  810 . The processing unit  802  may be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices  806  and the output devices  810 . For example, the processing unit  802  may receive an input signal from an input device  806  that corresponds to an input detected by the input device  806 . The processing unit  802  may interpret the received input signal to determine whether to provide and/or change one or more outputs in response to the input signal. The processing unit  802  may then send an output signal to one or more of the output devices  810 , to provide and/or change outputs as appropriate. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190926
Publication Date: 20210413
Grant Date: 20210413
Priority Date: 20190926
Inventors: AMIN-SHAHIDI, DARYA
LEE, ALEX M.
CHEN, DENIS G.
LEHMANN, Alex J.
SPELTZ, ALEX J.
MARECAL, Etienne
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G5/03", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G2505/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04142", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G1/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04142", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G2505/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 75161827