PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10692668-B2
Application Number: US-201615215448-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Force feedback surface for an electronic device

Abstract:
An accessory device having a first and second body is described. The second body may include a force feedback mechanism that responds to an input received at the first body causing a force feedback. The force feedback mechanism includes coils distributed throughout the second body, with each coil configured to receive an electrical current such that each coil provides an external magnetic field to magnetically couple with one or more magnets disposed in the first body, causing the first body to move in a direction toward the second body. The first body may return to its original position when the external magnetic field is no longer applied. In this regard, the movement of the first body defines the force feedback. Also, the first body may include a keyboard or a touch screen functioning with the force feedback mechanism. The accessory device may be used in conjunction with an electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device, comprising:
 a substrate having a top surface that surrounds an opening; 
 a first body in the opening, wherein the first body is configured to receive a touch input, the first body has opposing first and second surfaces, and the first body includes a first magnet; and 
 a second body disposed in the opening, the second body comprising:
 a force feedback mechanism configured to provide a force feedback at the first body in response to the touch input, 
 a second magnet having a first magnetic polarity, wherein the second magnet is configured to magnetically couple with the first magnet to drive the first body toward the second body and place the first body within the opening with the first surface of the first body coplanar with the top surface of the substrate, and 
 a third magnet having a second magnetic polarity opposite the first magnetic polarity, wherein the third magnet is configured to magnetically repel the first magnet to drive the first body away from the second body and place the first body at least partially outside the opening with the entire first surface of the first body non-coplanar with the top surface of the substrate. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the force feedback comprises a vibrational motion of the first body. 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the force feedback mechanism comprises a coil positioned within an opening of the third magnet, the coil configured to receive an electrical current to form an electromagnetic field of the first magnetic polarity to magnetically couple with and attract the first magnet and actuate a portion of the first body having the first magnet in a direction toward the second body. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 3 , wherein the second body comprises a metal positioned within the coil and magnetically coupled to the first magnet when the first magnet magnetically repels the third magnet. 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the second body is actuated perpendicular to the first body in a first direction to align the second magnet with the first magnet, and wherein the second body actuated in a second direction opposite the first direction to align the third magnet with the first magnet. 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 5 , wherein the substrate further comprises a switch configured to drive the second body in the first direction and the second direction. 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the first body comprises a display assembly that displays a keyboard used to receive the touch input. 
     
     
       8. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the second body comprises a coil. 
     
     
       9. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the first body contacts the second body when the second magnet magnetically couples with the first magnet. 
     
     
       10. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having an opening; 
 a first body in the opening, wherein the first body is configured to receive a touch input and wherein the first body includes a first magnet having a first polarity; 
 a second body in the opening, the second body comprising:
 a second magnet having a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity, wherein the second magnet is configured to magnetically couple with the first magnet and place the first body within the opening; 
 a third magnet having a third polarity that is opposite the second polarity, wherein the third magnet is configured to magnetically repel the first magnet to drive the first body at least partially out of the opening and to separate the first body from the second body by a distance, and wherein the third magnet is configured to maintain the distance between at least a portion of the first body and the second body while the first body receives the touch input; and 
 a coil positioned within an opening of the third magnet and configured to receive an electrical current to form an electromagnetic field of the first polarity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/219,618, filed on Sep. 16, 2015, and titled “FORCE FEEDBACK SURFACE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to an accessory device that may be used in conjunction with an electronic device. In particular, the following description relates to an accessory device having a force feedback surface designed to provide a force feedback to user. The force feedback may be in the form of a movement, vibration or other motion in response to the user generating an input to the force feedback surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Accessory devices may be used with certain electronic devices. An accessory device may be used to provide a protective layer for the electronic device. Some accessory device may respond to a user to control an electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an accessory device suitable for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first body that includes a touch sensitive layer embedded in the first body and configured to receive a touch input. The accessory device may further include a second body separate from the first body. The second body may include a force feedback mechanism that provides a force feedback at the first body in response to the touch input. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device is described. The accessory device may include a substrate that includes an opening. The accessory device may further include a first body configured to receive a touch input. The first body may also include a first magnet. The accessory device may further include a second body disposed in the opening. The second body may include a force feedback mechanism configured to provide a force feedback at the first body based upon the touch input. The second body may further include a second magnet having a first magnetic polarity configured to magnetically couple with the first magnet to drive the first body toward the second body and place the first body within the opening. The second body may further include a third magnet having a second magnetic polarity opposite the first magnetic polarity. The third magnet can be configured to magnetically repel the first magnet to drive the first body away from the second body and place the first body at least partially outside the opening. 
     In another aspect, a method for assembling an accessory device that provides a force feedback in the accessory device is described. The method may include forming a first body that includes a touch sensitive layer embedded in the first body and configured to receive a touch input. The method may further include forming a second body separate from the first body. The second body may include a force feedback mechanism that provides a force feedback at the first body in response to the touch input. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       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: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device in a closed configuration, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the accessory device in an alternate configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing various features of the accessory device; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device in the closed configuration; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device in the open configuration; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device, showing a portion of the first body actuated in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil in the second body; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of the accessory device, showing the first body actuated in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil in the second body; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram used to control electrical current distributed to a coil in an accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate circuit diagram used to control the electrical current distributed to a coil in an accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of an accessory device, showing the first body actuated according to a repeated manner to produce vibrational movement in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil in the second body; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of the accessory device, showing the first body actuated according to a repeated manner to produce vibrational movement in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil in the second layer; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device, showing multiple magnets of the first body actuated in response based upon an input received at the first body; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing a keyboard disposed on a first body of the accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 13 , showing the first body having several keys and magnets disposed over the second body having several magnets and coils; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 14 , further showing an input received at the first body; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 15 , further showing the first body moving in response to the input received at the first body; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing a first body having a display assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 17 , with the visual information of the display assembly changing to provide an alternate input device based upon a detection of an input to the display assembly by a user; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device with a display assembly shown in  FIG. 18 , with the keyboard on the display assembly shifting according to a shift in positioning of the user; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 19 , with the display assembly further changing its visual content to an alternate input device based upon an alternate input detected by the display assembly; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device that includes an accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an isometric view of an accessory device used in conjunction with an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; and 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a flowchart showing method for assembling an accessory device that provides a force feedback in the accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are 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. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to an accessory device that may be used with an electronic device. In particular, the accessory device may include one or more features designed to provide feedback to a user of the accessory device when the user interacts with the accessory device. The feedback may take the form of, for example, a “click” action similar in feel to a tactile feedback keyboard, or a vibrational event similar to a motor actuating a part. However, rather using mechanical features and motors, the accessory device uses several magnets, and in particular, a change in magnetic polarity of one or more magnets, causing the magnets to magnetically couple or repel with another magnet, based on the magnetic polarity of the magnets. The magnetic coupling and repelling can provide a driving force that actuates the magnets, which in turn actuates a structural component of the accessory device carrying the magnets. The movement of the structural component can be felt or sensed by the user. 
     The accessory device may include a first body and a second body. The first body may include an input feature capable of receiving a touch input, such as a touch sensitive layer, a keyboard assembly, and/or a display assembly. The second body may be positioned at least partially behind the first body to reveal the input feature(s). Both the first body and the second body may include several magnets embedded and distributed throughout various regions. 
     The accessory device is designed to allow the second body to move with respect to the first body, and accordingly, magnets in the second body can move with respect to the magnets in the first body. In one configuration, the second body is aligned with the first body such that each of the first body magnets are magnetically coupled with at least one second body magnet, and the first body is pulled toward the second body by the magnetic attraction forces between the magnets. In this regard, the accessory device may include an opening to receive the first body and place the accessory device in a closed configuration. Alternatively, the second body can shift relative to the first body such that none of the first body magnets are magnetically coupled with the second body magnets. Moreover, the magnets in the second body may include a magnetic pole (such as a “North Pole”) aligned with magnets in the first body having the same magnetic pole, and the first body is driven away from the second body by the magnetic repulsive forces between the magnets of like magnetic polarity. In this regard, the first body is lifted from, and at least partially above, the opening to place the accessory device in an open configuration. 
     In the open configuration, the accessory device may be designed to allow a user of the accessory device to trigger the force feedback that may be felt or sensed by the user. The force feedback mechanism may include several coils distributed throughout the second body. Further, the coils may surround the aforementioned magnets. The coils may be formed from a metal wire (such as copper wire) wrapped in a coil-like manner. Alternatively, the coils may be printed onto a circuit board by in a spiral-like manner resembling a coil. The first body may include a touch sensitive layer capable of detecting a touch input from the user. When contacted by the user, the touch sensitive layer may provide an input to a controller indicating a location the touch input to the first body. The controller then sends a command to send electrical current through the coil in a location corresponding to a location of the touch input. As a result, the coil forms an electromagnet having an external electromagnetic field with a magnetic polarity that magnetically attracts with a first body magnet (or magnets) located in a region corresponding to the touch input. The magnetic attraction drives a portion of the first body in a direction toward the second body. The movement of the first body with respect to the second body in this manner may define the force feedback felt by the user. 
     The electrical current passing through the coil may vary in order define different types of force feedback. For example, a short, single pulse of electrical current through the coil may create a feel or sensation, to the user, of a button press. Further, when the first body includes a key (such as a key of a keyboard assembly), a user touching or pressing the key may actuate the key rather than the first body, creating a feel or sensation, to the user, of a keystroke that occurs in a tactile keyboard. Also, the electrical current may be provided as alternating electrical current pulses having short, frequent pulses, causing the magnetic polarity to alternate in accordance with the alternating current pulses. Based on the alternating magnetic polarity, a portion of the first body may actuate back and forth (that is, toward and away from the second body) at a frequency in accordance with the frequency of the alternating electrical current pulses, creating a vibrational feel or sensation to the user. The frequency may be predetermined, or pre-defined by the user. In some instances, the first body may include a display assembly having a capacitive touch layer. In this manner, when the user touches the display assembly, and the user may receive a force feedback in the form of a short, single pulse or a vibration, notifying the user that the display assembly is depressed and a command is sent to further control the display assembly. The command may, for example, alter the visual information presented on the display assembly. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-23 . 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. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device  100  in a closed configuration, in accordance with the described embodiments. The accessory device  100  may be suitable for use with an electronic device (not shown), such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, and/or a tablet computer. The accessory device  100  may include an enclosure  102  designed to enclose several components. Also, the accessory device  100  may include a first body  104 . In some embodiments, the first body  104  includes a touch sensitive layer  106  (shown as dotted lines) embedded in the first body  104 . The touch sensitive layer  106  is designed to detect a touch input from a user, with the touch input corresponding to a command to an electronic device that is paired, via a wired or wireless communication (such as 802.11 or Bluetooth protocol), with the accessory device  100 . Also, the touch sensitive layer  106  may include a capacitive touch layer designed to generate an input and command based upon a capacitive coupling between the user and the touch sensitive layer  106 . 
     The accessory device  100  may further include a second body  108 . As shown, the first body  104  and the second body  108  are positioned in an opening  110  of the accessory device  100 , with the second body  108  positioned below (or behind) the first body  104  to expose the touch sensitive layer  106  to a user. In this regard, the first body  104  may be referred to as an upper body and the second body  108  may be referred to a lower body. The accessory device  100  may further include a switch  112  coupled with the second body  108 . The switch  112 , when moved, is designed to drive or actuate the second body  108  laterally relative to the first body  104 . In some embodiments, the switch  112  is fully embedded in the enclosure  102  and is operable with a display assembly of a laptop computer (not shown), as an example. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the switch  112  is a mechanical switch protruding from the accessory device  100  and coupled with the second body  108 . 
     Also, the first body  104  and the second body  108  may be magnetically coupled together by one or more magnets (not shown) disposed in both the first body  104  and the second body  108 . For example, magnets in the first body  104  may be aligned with magnets in the second body  108  of opposite magnetic polarities (such as North Pole-South Pole alignment), creating several magnetic circuits that provide a magnetic attraction force holding the first body  104  together with the second body  108 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first body  104  is magnetically coupled with the second body  108  such that the first body  104  is positioned in the opening  110  to define a closed configuration of the accessory device  100  in which the first body  104  is coplanar, or approximately coplanar, with respect to a top surface of the enclosure  102 . This will be shown and described below. 
     However, based upon the positioning of the second body  108  relative to the first body  104 , the accessory device  100  may change configurations. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , with the accessory device  100  in an open configuration. The open configuration may be achieved by moving the switch  112 , which causes the second body  108  to move relative to the first body  104 . In this manner, the magnets in the first body  104  may be aligned with magnets in the second body  108  with the same magnetic polarities (such as a North Pole-North Pole or South Pole-South Pole alignment), causing magnets in the first body  104  to magnetically repel from magnets in the second body  108 , and in turn, causing the first body  104  move away from the second body  108 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first body  104  may extend beyond the opening  110 , or at least partially extend beyond the opening  110 , defining an open configuration of the accessory device  100  in which the first body  104  is above and non-coplanar with respect to a top surface of the enclosure  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing various features of the accessory device  100 . As shown, the first body  104  may include a fabric layer  114  that covers the touch sensitive layer  106 . In other embodiments, the fabric layer  114  includes a touch sensitive fabric. The first body  104  may further include a first magnetic layer  120  that includes several magnets. As shown, the first magnetic layer  120  may include a magnet  122 , representative of other several magnets (not labeled), disposed in an opening  124  of the first magnetic layer  120 . While the magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  are shown having a circular shape, each of the magnets may be formed as a different shape, including a polygonal shape having four or more sides. Also, the openings of the first magnetic layer  120  may include a shape and size corresponding to that of the magnets. Also, in some cases, the magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  are formed from a composite bonded material subjected to a magnetic field from a magnetizer (not shown) after the composite bonded material is disposed in the first magnetic layer  120 . This may reduce material costs as well as the weight of the accessory device  100 , and may allow for a customized magnetic arrangement. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first magnetic layer  120  includes a column of magnets that include first magnet  126 , a second magnet  128 , a third magnet  130 , and a fourth magnet  132 . The magnet polarity of the magnets in the column (and also in rows) may be opposite to one another. For example, as shown, the first magnet  126  includes a magnetic polarity that includes a top portion having a “North” polarity and a bottom portion (not shown) opposite the top portion having a “South” polarity to form an external magnetic field (represented by dotted lines) in a first direction. Conversely, the second magnet  128  (adjacent to the first magnet  126 ) includes a magnetic polarity such that a top portion includes a “South” polarity and a bottom portion (not shown) includes a “North” polarity to form an external magnetic field in a second direction opposite the first direction (of the first magnet  126 ). Also, the third magnet  130  may include a magnetic polarity similar to that of the first magnet  126 , and the fourth magnet  132  may include magnetic polarity similar to that of the second magnet  128 . This will be further discussed below. 
     The second body  108  may include a circuit board assembly  140 . In some embodiments, the circuit board assembly  140  is a printed circuit board (“PBC”). The circuit board assembly  140  may include a metal trace  142  designed to carry electrical current and signals to and from other features of the second body  108  (discussed below). Also, the circuit board assembly  140  may include openings  144  throughout the circuit board assembly  140 . The openings  144  may be designed to receive one or more features disposed in the second body  108  (discussed below). 
     A second magnetic layer  150  disposed in the second body  108  may also include several magnets. For example, the second magnetic layer  150  may include a magnet  152 , representative of several other magnets (not labeled) in the second magnetic layer  150 , disposed in an opening  154  of the second magnetic layer  150 . While the magnets of the second magnetic layer  150  are shown having a four-sided shape, each of the magnets may be formed according to a different shape, including a circular shape, a triangular shape, or a shape having five or more sides. The openings of the second magnetic layer  150  may include a size and shape corresponding to that of the magnets. Also, the magnets of the second magnetic layer  150  may be formed by any means previously described for magnets in the first magnetic layer  120 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each magnet of the second magnetic layer  150  may include coil disposed in an opening of each magnet. For example, the magnet  152  includes a coil  155 . Each coil may be electrically coupled with the circuit board assembly  140 , by way of the metal trace  142 , in order to receive electrical current via the circuit board assembly  140 . This allows the coil to act as a solenoid, and form an external electromagnetic field capable of attracting one or more magnets disposed in the first magnetic layer  120 . Also, each coil may surround a metal block positioned within each coil. The metal block may include iron or steel, for example, or generally any material that may be attracted to a magnet. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the coil  155  includes a metal block  157 . The metal block  157  may be magnetically attracted to the magnet  122  disposed in the first magnetic layer  120 . Also, each coil and each metal block of the second magnetic layer  150  may be at least partially received by one of the openings of the circuit board assembly  140 . These features will be further described below. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the second magnetic layer  150  may further include a column of magnets that include first magnet  156 , a second magnet  158 , a third magnet  160 , a fourth magnet  162  and a fifth magnet  164 . Similar to the first magnetic layer  120 , the magnet polarity of the magnets in the column (and also in rows) may be opposite to one another. For example, as shown, the first magnet  156  includes a magnetic polarity similar to that of the first magnet  126  of the first magnetic layer  120 . Conversely, the second magnet  158  includes a magnetic polarity similar to that of the second magnet  128  of the first magnetic layer  120 . Also, the third magnet  160  includes a magnetic polarity similar to that of the first magnet  156 , and the fourth magnet  162  includes magnetic polarity similar to that of the second magnet  158 . In addition, the fifth magnet  164  may include a magnet polarity similar to that of the second magnet  158 . 
     In one configuration, the magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  may magnetically couple with a magnet in the second magnetic layer  150 , causing the first body  104  to magnetically couple with the second body  108  (by way of their respective magnets) to define the closed configuration of the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the first magnet  126  of the first magnetic layer  120  can be aligned and positioned to magnetically couple with the first magnet  156  in the second magnetic layer  150 . However, in another configuration, when the second body  108  is driven or actuated with the respect to the first body  104  in a direction (denoted by an arrow  166 ), the magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  may be aligned with magnets in the second magnetic layer  150  such that the magnets of the respective magnetic layers are magnetically repelled by one another. For example, when the second body  108 , along with the second magnetic layer  1550 , is shifted, the first magnet  126  of the first magnetic layer  120  aligns with the fifth magnet  164  of the second magnetic layer  150 , and the first magnet  126  is magnetically repelled from the fifth magnet  164 . The first body  104  may magnetically repel form the second body  108  (by way of their respective magnets) to define the open configuration of the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). This will be discussed in further detail below. 
     In this regard,  FIG. 3  further shows that the second magnetic layer  150  including an additional row of magnets as compared to the first magnetic layer  120 . Accordingly, the second magnetic layer  150  may be larger than the first magnetic layer  120 . Also, in some embodiments, the accessory device  100  may further include a protective layer  170 . The protective layer  170  may be formed from a material, such as fiberglass, used to protect the aforementioned component as well as provide structural support to the accessory device  100 . 
     Also, although not shown, the accessory device  100  may include a processor circuit used to process one or more commands received by the accessory device  100 . In addition, the accessory device  100  may include a memory circuit coupled with the processor circuit and designed to store one or more programs for use by the processor circuit. Further, the accessory device  100  may include an internal power supply (not shown), such as a battery. The internal power supply may supply electrical current to any feature or features described that require electrical current, such as the touch sensitive layer  106  and the processor circuit. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  further show the relationship between the first body  104  and the second body  108 , based in part on the magnets of the respective bodies. For purposes of simplicity and illustration, some features and components may be removed in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device  100  in the closed configuration (also shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the closed configuration, each of the magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  may magnetically couple with a magnet of the second magnetic layer  150  to form several magnetic circuits. As a representative example, the first magnet  126  of the first magnetic layer  120  magnetically couples with the first magnet  156  of the second magnetic layer  150  to form a magnetic circuit denoted by the external magnetic field lines (shown as dotted lines). A similar magnetic coupling may form between the remaining magnets in the first magnetic layer  120  and at least some of the magnets in the second magnetic layer  150 . 
     However, when the second body  108  is driven or actuated with respect to the first body  104 , the magnetic circuits between the first body  104  and the second body  108  cease. For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device  100  in the open configuration (also shown in  FIG. 2 ). As shown, the second body  108  is driven with respect to the first body  104  in a direction denoted by the arrow  166 . In this manner, the magnets in the first magnetic layer  120  are aligned with magnets in the second magnetic layer  150  such that the same magnetic polarities (of the respective magnetic layers) are aligned with one another. For example, the first magnet  126  of the first magnetic layer  120  is now aligned with the fifth magnet  164  (also shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the second magnetic layer  150 . Accordingly, the “South” pole of the first magnet  126  is aligned with the “South” pole of the fifth magnet  164 , causing the first magnet  126  to repel from the fifth magnet  164 . A similar repelling configuration may between remaining magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  and at least some of the magnets of the second magnetic layer  150 . Accordingly, the first body  104  may magnetically repel from the second body  108 , causing the first body  104  to be driven in a direction denoted by a second arrow  168 . 
     In some cases, the magnetic repulsion of the first body  104  may cause the first body  104  to move laterally with respect to the second body  108 . For example, the first magnet  126  of the first magnetic layer  120  may attempt to move laterally in order to form (or re-form) a magnetic circuit with the first magnet  156  of the second magnetic layer  150 . However, the metal blocks of second body  108  can magnetically couple with the magnets of the first body  104  in order to maintain a desired alignment between the first body  104  and the second body  108 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a metal block  182  disposed in the fifth magnet  164  may magnetically couple with the first magnet  126 . Similarly, the remaining metal blocks in the second magnetic layer  150  may provide a similar magnetic coupling to provide a force that prevents or limits unwanted lateral movement of the first body  104  with respect to the second body  108 . Although not shown, other mechanical alignment features may be present to align the first body  104  with the second body  108  in a desired manner. 
     While exemplary features shown in  FIGS. 3-5  are shown and described, these exemplary features may be representative of the remaining features. For example, several magnet circuits may be formed between the magnets of the first magnetic layer  120  and the second magnetic layer  150  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be formed. Conversely, by actuating the second body  108 , all of the magnets of the first body  104  may be repelled by at least one magnet in the second magnetic layer  150 . Further, various magnetic polarity configurations may be formed that are consistent with the features in order to form the open and closed configurations of the accessory device  100 . 
     When the accessory device  100  is in the open configuration, selected portions of the first body  104  may be driven or actuated with respect to other portions of the first body  104 . For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device  100 , showing a portion of the first body  104  actuated in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil  192  in the second body  108 . As shown in the enlarged view, although the second magnet  128  of the first magnetic layer  120  may magnetically repel form the first magnet  156  of the second magnetic layer  150 , an electrical current may pass through the coil  192 , causing the coil  192  to form an external electromagnetic field magnetic attraction force with the second magnet  128  and also overcome the magnetically repelling force by the first magnet  156  in the second magnetic layer  150 . In response to a depression  196  caused by, for example, a touch input to the first body  104  detected by the touch sensitive layer  106 , electrical current passes through the coil  192 . As shown, the electromagnetic field from the coil  192  causes the second magnet  128  to magnetically couple with the second magnet  128 , and due to the magnetic coupling, the second magnet  128  moves in a direction toward the coil  192 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of the accessory device  100 , showing the first body  104  actuated in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil in the second body  108 . As shown, the depression  196  in the first body  104 , caused by the touch inputs, may initiate the coil  192  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) to generate an external electromagnetic field that magnetically couples with a magnet in the first body  104 . When the depression  196  is removed (by, for example, a user no longer touching the first body  104 ), the electrical current ceases from passing through the coil  192  to terminate the external electromagnetic field, and the first body  104  returns to its original configuration. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  describe a coil  192  used as a force feedback mechanism in the accessory device  100 . The force feedback mechanism may be used to provide a sensation to a user of the accessory device  100 . Although not shown, the electrical current may pass through the coil  192  as an electrical current pulse. Further, in some cases, the electrical current pulse may alternate through the coil  192  to change the magnetic polarity of the coil  192 . Any coil of the accessory device  100  may be used in a manner similar to the coil  192  shown in  FIG. 6 . Also, although not shown, two or more coils may be used together to drive or actuate multiple portions of the first body  104 . 
     In order to control the electrical current through the coils, an accessory device in accordance with the described embodiments may include several configurations. For example,  FIG. 8  illustrates a circuit diagram of a circuit  200  used to control electrical current distributed to a coil  202  in an accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, the circuit  200  may include a capacitor  204  used to store an electrical charge. The capacitor  204  may allow electrical current to pass through the coil  202  as permitted by a transistor  206 . For example, when electrical current is supplied to a gate of the transistor  206 , the capacitor  204  may discharge and allow electrical current to flow through the coil  202 . The transistor  206  may permit the electrical current to pass according to a touch input detected by the touch sensitive layer  106  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). The coil  202  may then take the form of an electromagnetic coil while the electrical current is supplied to the coil  202 . In some embodiments, a touch input (or inputs) registered at the touch sensitive layer  106  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) causes the transistor  206  to permit an electrical discharge from the capacitor  204  to the coil  202 . The transistor  206  may be a field-effect transistor (“FET”). 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate circuit diagram of a circuit  250  used to control the electrical current distributed to a coil  252  in an accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments. The circuit  250  may include a capacitor  254  that may allow electrical current to pass through the coil  252  as permitted by a controller  256 . The controller  256  may be used in conjunction with a software program (not shown) designed to allow the capacitor  254  to discharge electrical current through the coil  252  in accordance with a touch input detected by the touch sensitive layer  106  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). The coil  252  may then take the form of an electromagnetic coil generating an external electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, the controller  256  allows electrical current to pass through the coil  252  according to user-specified conditions. For example, the controller  256  may allow the capacitor  254  to discharge electrical current through the coil  252  in a single short burst. Alternatively, the controller  256  may allow the capacitor  254  to discharge electrical current through the coil  252  for an extended time period. Still, in another alternative, the controller  256  may allow the capacitor  254  to discharge electrical current through the coil  252  according to a series of several short bursts. In some embodiments, a touch input (or inputs) registered at the touch sensitive layer  106  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) causes the controller  256  to permit an electrical discharge from the capacitor  254  to the coil  252 . Also, in some embodiments, the controller  256  may work without the use of the capacitor  254 . 
       FIGS. 10-22  show and describe alternate embodiments of an accessory device. While in some cases, the magnetic arrangements previously described may not be discussed, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10-22  may include any magnetic arrangement previously described in order to form an open and closed configuration of the accessory device. Further, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10-22  may include any feature, including circuitry, previously described for an accessory device, in order to create a force feedback. 
     In some cases, the accessory device may provide a specific force feedback mechanism to a user. For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of an accessory device  300 , showing the first body  304  actuated according to a repeated manner to produce vibrational movement in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil  324  in the second body  308 . As shown, the accessory device  300  is in an open configuration formed in a manner previously described. 
     As shown, the first body  304  includes a magnet  312  aligned with a magnet  322  in the second body  308 , with both magnets facing each other with the same magnetic polarity causing the magnets to repel one another. However, the second body  308  may include a coil (positioned within the magnet  322 ) that forms an external electromagnetic field causing a magnetic coupling with the magnet  312 . As a result, this may cause a portion of the first body  304  to move with respect to a surrounding area of the first body  304 , and in a direction toward the second body  308 . The touch sensitive layer  306  may include a sensor, or sensing element, designed to detect a touch input anywhere along the touch sensitive layer  306 . Alternatively, the coil  324  may include a sensor, or sensing element, designed to detect a touch input to the first body  304 . In this manner, a coil may serve a dual purpose of a detection mechanism and an actuating mechanism. It will be appreciated that the coil  324  may be a representative coil of the remaining coils in the accessory device  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the accessory device  300  may be designed to provide a force feedback in the form of a vibrational sensation to a user. For example, the electrical current may pass through the coil  324  in short bursts such that the coil  324  forms an electromagnetic coil in shorts bursts. Accordingly, the magnet  312  may be magnetically attracted to the coil  324  (as an electromagnetic coil) in short bursts, causing movement of the magnet  312  and the first body  304  back and forth, in accordance with the short bursts and the electrical current passing through the coil  324 . The dotted lines in  FIG. 10  represent the first body  304  moving back and forth in short bursts, defining the vibrational sensation that may be felt by a user. Also, in order to enhance the vibrational movement, electrical current may pass through the coil  324  in opposite directions such that the coil  324  forms an external electromagnetic field that changes its magnetic polarity. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of the accessory device  300 , showing the first body  304  actuated according to a repeated, vibrational movement defining a force feedback in response to a magnetic coupling with a coil (not shown) in the second body  308 . As shown, a user  330  may generate the vibrational movement by touching, or forming a capacitive coupling, with the first body  304 , and in particular, with the touch sensitive layer  306  in the first body  304 . When the touch sensitive layer  306  detects the touch input, the touch sensitive layer  306  may signal to a controller (such as a controller  256  shown in  FIG. 9 ) to allow electrical current to pass through a coil (or coils) in the second body  308 , such as a coil corresponding to a location of the touch input by the user  330 . In particular, the electrical current may pass in a several short bursts, and may pass through the coil (or coils) in short bursts in the opposite direction. In this manner, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the user  330  may feel a vibrational sensation according to the coil (such as the coil  324  in  FIG. 10 ) forming an external electromagnetic field in a short, repeated manner and momentarily attracting a magnet (such as the magnet  312  in  FIG. 10 ) in a short, repeated manner. 
     In some cases, a user may active multiple coils simultaneously. For example,  FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  300 , showing multiple magnets of the first body  304  actuated in response based upon an input received at the first body  304 . As shown, the user  330  may create an input by coupling with touch sensitive layer  306  causing multiple coils (not shown) to create a force feedback. For example, the first body  304 , having a magnet  312 , a second magnet  314 , a third magnet  316 , and a fourth magnet  318  may combine to cause the first body  304  to move in a repeated, vibrational manner based upon each of the aforementioned magnets magnetically coupling with their respective coils in a short, repeated manner. This may be in response to the user  330  pressing the first body  304  with a relatively large force. Also, although not shown, the user  330  may depress the first body  304  in multiple locations along the first body  304 , causing the touch sensitive layer  306  to generate at an input to a controller  256  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) in multiple locations. This may cause the controller  256  to permit electrical current to one or more coils throughout the first body  304 , causing the one or more coils to magnetically couple with a magnet in the first body  304 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  400 , showing a keyboard  402  disposed on a first body  404  of the accessory device  400 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The keyboard  402  may be designed to include a QWERTY configuration generally known in the art for a keyboard. Also, the keyboard  402  may be used in conjunction with an electronic device (not shown) when the accessory device  400  is synced or paired with the electronic device via a wired or wireless configuration. Each key of the keyboard  402  may be coupled with a touch sensitive layer  406  designed to detect a keystroke when a key is depressed. Also, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the accessory device  400  is in open configuration as the first body  404  and the keyboard  402  are at least partially extending from an opening  410  of the accessory device  400 . However, the accessory device  400  may also change its configuration to a closed configuration by, for example, actuating a switch  412 , causing a magnetic coupling previously described. 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate an exemplary keystroke that may be performed to a key, representative of any key or keys of the keyboard  402  shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device  400  shown in  FIG. 13 , showing the first body  404  having several keys and magnets disposed over the second body  408  having several magnets and coils. As shown, the accessory device  400  is in the open configuration. Also, the first body  404  may include several keys, such as a key  422 , electrically coupled with the touch sensitive layer  406 . Also, the key  422  may be disposed above a magnet  424  disposed in the first body  404 . The second body  408  may include a magnet  426  aligned with the magnet  424  with the same magnetic polarities facing each other to such that the magnet  424  and the magnet  426  magnetically repel each other. Also, the magnet  426  may include a coil  428  disposed in an opening of the magnet  426 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device  400  shown in  FIG. 14 , further showing an input received at the first body  404 . For example, the input may be in the form of a user  430  making contact with the key  422 . In this manner, the touch sensitive layer  406  may detect a touch event of the key  422 , or any key, of the keyboard  402  (shown in  FIG. 13 ). 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device  400  shown in  FIG. 15 , further showing the first body  404  moving in response to the input received at the first body  404 . As shown, when the user  430  contacts the key  422 , the touch sensitive layer  406  may signal a coupling between the user  430  and the key  422 , causing electrical current to pass through the coil  428 . When the coil  428  forms an external electromagnetic field, the coil  428  magnetically couples with the magnet  424 , causing the key  422  to be driven or actuated toward the coil  428  (despite the magnetic repulsion between the magnet  424  and the magnet  426 ). Accordingly, the magnetic coupling may cause the driving force of the key  422  simply by the user  430  making contact with the key  422 . Further, once the key  422  is driven toward the coil  428 , the electrical current may cease through the coil  428 , and the key is returned to its original position. In this manner, the accessory device  400  may use a magnetic coupling to define a keystroke of a keyboard. Further, a force feedback may resemble a “click” configuration commonly found in tactile keyboards. Also, if desired, the keyboard  402  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) may be designed to include a force feedback in the form of a vibrational movement of the key  422  in a manner previously described, based upon the current passing through the coil  428  in short bursts. 
     An accessory device may include additional features disposed on a first body. For example,  FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  500 , showing a first body  504  having a display assembly  510 , in accordance with the described embodiments. In some embodiments, the display assembly  510  includes a capacitive touch sensitive layer integrated with the display assembly  510 . As shown, the display assembly  510  may be designed to present visual information. As non-limiting examples shown in  FIG. 17 , the display assembly  510  may present a web browser  512  and a software application  514 . Also, the accessory device  500  may be used in conjunction with an electronic device (not shown) when the accessory device  500  is synced or paired with the electronic device via a wired or wireless configuration. Alternatively, the accessory device  500  may be used as a “standalone” device. In this manner, the accessory device  500  may be designed to work independently from an electronic device (not shown) when the accessory device  500  is not paired with the electronic device. Accordingly, the accessory device  500  may include the necessary internal components, including processor circuits, memory circuits, and an internal power supply. 
     However, the display assembly  510  may change its visual information based upon a detection of an input by a user. For example,  FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  500  shown in  FIG. 17 , with the visual information of the display assembly  510  changing to provide an alternate input device based upon a detection of an input to the display assembly  510  by a user  530 . As shown, the visual information may take the form of a keyboard  516  displayed on the display assembly  510 . The keyboard  516  may be a virtual (non-mechanical) display on the display assembly  510 , and having a keyboard having a QWERTY configuration commonly known in the art for a keyboard. In this regard, the keyboard  516 , although displayed, may function as a traditional mechanical keyboard. A capacitive touch sensitive layer in the display assembly  510  may perform the input detection. Also, the detection may be a predefined detection or a user-defined detection. Further, the detection may be based on upon the type input received at the display assembly  510 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the user  530  may present a configuration simulating a typing configuration. Accordingly, when the display assembly  510  detects the typing configuration, the display assembly  510  may change from, for example, a web browser  512  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) to a keyboard  516 . Also, the keyboard  516  may be designed to provide an input or command when the accessory device  500  is paired with an electronic device (not shown). 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  500  with a display assembly  510  shown in  FIG. 18 , with the keyboard  516  on the display assembly  510  shifting according to a shift in positioning of the user  530 . This may be useful when the accessory device  500  is moving relative to the user  530 , during instances such as when the user  530  is sitting in a moving automobile or airplane, and the automobile or the airplane causes the accessory device  500  to move. The display assembly  510  may detect a shift or movement of the user  530 , and shift the keys of the keyboard  516  shown on the display assembly  510  to a location below the user  530 . In this manner, the user  530  may continue typing in an uninterrupted manner. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  500  shown in  FIG. 19 , with the display assembly  510  further changing its visual content to an alternate input device based upon an alternate input detected by the display assembly  510 . For example, when the user  530  displays a finger  532  over the display assembly  510 , the display assembly  510  may determine the user  530  intends to perform a “swipe” motion commonly found in a physical touch pad of an electronic device. In this manner, the display assembly  510  may remove some of the keys of the keyboard  516  in favor of a touch pad  534  displayed on the display assembly  510 . The user  530  may then perform a swipe to the touch pad  534 , which may correspond to, as an example, a cursor movement on a display of an electronic device (not shown). 
     The various embodiments of the accessory devices may be paired with an electronic device. Alternatively, at least some embodiments of the accessory devices shown and described may be integrated with an electronic device. For example,  FIG. 21  illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device  610 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The electronic device  610  may include a laptop computing device. As shown, the electronic device  610  includes a base portion  600  having several features similar to that of an accessory device previously described. The base portion  600  may include first body  604  having a keyboard  602 . However, the first body  604  may include any feature previously described for a first body. Further, the base portion  600  is shown in an open configuration. However, by rotating a display housing  612  of the electronic device  610  in a direction toward the base portion  600 , a hinge assembly (not shown) may be coupled with a second body  608 , causing the first body  604  to move relative to the second body  608 . This may cause the base portion  600  to change to a closed configuration, in which the first body  604  magnetically couples with the second body  608  in a manner previously described. Further, an input to the base portion  600  may correspond to a command to the electronic device  610 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an isometric view of an accessory device  700  used in conjunction with an electronic device  710 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The electronic device  710  may be a tablet computing device. Also, the accessory device  700  may be paired with the electronic device by a wired communication, or by a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth or 802.11 (Wi-Fi) protocols. As shown, the accessory device  700  includes a first body  704  that includes a fabric layer. However, the first body  704  may include any feature or features previously described for a first body  704 . Further, an input to the accessory device  700  may correspond to a command to the electronic device  710 . The accessory device  700  may further include a second body  708 . As shown, the accessory device  700  is in an opening configuration. However, the accessory device  700  may change to a closed configuration by using a switch (not shown), in which the first body  704  magnetically couples with the second body  708  in a manner previously described. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a flowchart  800  showing a method for assembling an accessory device that provides a force feedback in the accessory device, in accordance with the described embodiments. In step  802 , a first body is formed. The first body may include a touch sensitive layer embedded in the first body and configured to receive a touch input. Also, in some embodiments, the first body includes a fabric layer, a keyboard assembly, and/or a display assembly. 
     In step  804 , a second body is formed. The second body is separate from the first body. The second body may include a force feedback mechanism that provides a force feedback at the first body in response to the touch input. 
     In some embodiments, the force feedback mechanism includes a coil configured to form an external electromagnetic field when the coil receives an electrical current. The external electromagnetic field configured to magnetically couple with one or more magnets in the first body. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used 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: 20160720
Publication Date: 20200623
Grant Date: 20200623
Priority Date: 20150916
Inventors: STRYKER, JAMES A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/9622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/704", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/704", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/9622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/88", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/704", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/05", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/9622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/85", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58237126