PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11150734-B2
Application Number: US-202016802145-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Haptic structure for providing localized haptic output

Abstract:
Disclosed herein are structures, devices, methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a display portion, a housing pivotally coupled with the display portion and comprising a glass sheet that defines an input surface of the electronic device. The input surface can define a keyboard having a set of key regions arranged along the glass sheet. The electronic device may also include a haptic mechanism positioned beneath a key region of the set of key regions that includes a substrate defining a beam structure having first and second fixed ends, a spacer positioned along a first side of the beam structure and a piezoelectric element positioned along a second side of the beam structure. The piezoelectric element can be configured to deflect the beam structure to provide haptic output along the input surface.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a display portion comprising a display; 
 a housing pivotally coupled with the display portion and comprising a glass sheet defining an input surface of the electronic device, the input surface defining a keyboard having a set of key regions arranged along the input surface; and 
 a haptic mechanism positioned beneath the glass sheet and comprising:
 a substrate having a pair of elongated holes and a beam structure defined between the pair of elongated holes, the beam structure having a beam length that extends from a first fixed end to a second fixed end; 
 a spacer positioned along a first side of the beam structure and between the substrate and the key region, the spacer coupling the beam structure to the glass sheet; and 
 a piezoelectric element positioned along a second side of the beam structure and having a piezo length that extends along the beam length of the beam structure; wherein: 
 the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect the beam structure and locally deform the glass sheet at the key region to provide haptic output along the input surface in response to an input received along the key region. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the key region is located above a portion of the substrate that is between the pair of elongated holes. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the haptic mechanism is configured to detect the input at the key region of the input surface in response to a downward deflection of the beam structure caused by the input. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the haptic output is a first haptic output that results from the beam structure being deflected in a first direction; and 
 the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect the beam structure in a second direction to provide a second haptic output along the input surface. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the haptic mechanism is a first haptic mechanism; 
 the key region is a first key region; 
 the haptic output is a first haptic output; and 
 the electronic device further comprises a second haptic mechanism positioned beneath a second key region of the set of key regions; wherein: 
 the first haptic mechanism provides the first haptic output at the first key region; and 
 the second haptic mechanism provides a second haptic output at the second key region. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the first haptic mechanism is operable to deflect independently of the second haptic mechanism. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of elongated holes are parallel to each other. 
     
     
       8. A portable computer comprising:
 a display portion comprising a display; and 
 a housing defining an interior volume and pivotally coupled with the display portion, the housing comprising:
 a cover glass defining a touch-sensitive input surface defining a virtual keyboard; 
 a substrate positioned below the cover glass, the substrate defining a pair of elongated slits and a beam structure defined, in part, by the pair of elongated slits, the beam structure extending from a first fixed end to a second fixed end, the beam structure having a first surface facing the cover glass and a second surface facing the interior volume; 
 a spacer positioned between the first surface and the cover glass, the spacer coupling the beam structure to the cover glass; and 
 a piezoelectric element coupled to the second surface and operable to cause the beam structure to deflect and thereby causing a localized deflection of the cover glass in response to a touch input to the virtual keyboard. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The portable computer of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the virtual keyboard defines an array of key regions; and 
 the substrate defines an array of beam structures, each beam structure of the array of beam structures positioned below a respective key region of the array of key regions. 
 
     
     
       10. The portable computer of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the pair of elongated slits are parallel to each other. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable computer of  claim 8 , wherein:
 in response to receiving the touch input, a length of the piezoelectric element is configured to change; and 
 in response to the length of the piezoelectric element changing, the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect in a direction that is transverse to the length of the piezoelectric element. 
 
     
     
       12. The portable computer of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the piezoelectric element is a first piezoelectric element; 
 the portable computer further comprises a set of piezoelectric elements; 
 the virtual keyboard defines a set of key regions; and 
 each piezoelectric element of the set of piezoelectric elements is positioned under a respective key region of the set of key regions. 
 
     
     
       13. The portable computer of  claim 12 , wherein a first piezoelectric element of the set of piezoelectric elements is configured to deflect independently of other piezoelectric elements of the set of piezoelectric elements. 
     
     
       14. An electronic device comprising:
 a display portion comprising a display; and 
 a housing pivotally coupled with the display portion, the housing comprising:
 a cover glass defining a first key region and a second key region adjacent the first key region; 
 a substrate defining:
 a first deflection mechanism below the first key region and having first and second fixed ends; 
 a first opening extending through the substrate and positioned along a first side of the first deflection mechanism; and 
 a second opening extending through the substrate and positioned along a second side of the first deflection mechanism; 
 a second deflection mechanism below the second key region 
 a third opening extending through the substrate and positioned along a first side of the second deflection mechanism; and 
 a fourth opening extending through the substrate and positioned along a second side of the second deflection mechanism; 
 
 a first piezoelectric element coupled to a first side of the first deflection mechanism; 
 a second piezoelectric element coupled to a first side of the second deflection mechanism; 
 a first spacer coupled to a second side of the first deflection mechanism between the substrate and the cover glass and coupling the first deflection mechanism to the cover glass; and 
 a second spacer coupled to a second side of the second deflection mechanism between the substrate and the cover glass and coupling the second deflection mechanism to the cover glass; 
 
 wherein:
 the first deflection mechanism is configured to locally deflect the cover glass along the first key region; and 
 the second deflection mechanism is configured to locally deflect the cover glass along the second key region. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the cover glass is configured to locally deflect in an outward direction in response to an input received along a surface of the cover glass. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the first deflection mechanism is configured to locally deflect the cover glass along the first key region independently of the second deflection mechanism locally deflecting the cover glass along the second key region.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/416,466, filed Jan. 26, 2017, and titled “Haptic Structure for Providing Localized Haptic Output,” which is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/397,541, filed Sep. 21, 2016, and titled “Haptic Structure or Providing Localized Haptic Output,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates providing haptic output for an electronic device. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to using a haptic structure for providing localized haptic output for an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices are commonplace in today&#39;s society. Example electronic devices include cell phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, and the like. Some of these electronic devices include a haptic actuator that provides haptic output to a user. The haptic output may be provided by an actuator that utilizes a vibratory motor or an oscillating motor. However, these vibratory motors typically vibrate the entire electronic device and are not able to provide a haptic output at a specific area. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is a haptic structure for providing localized haptic output and tactile sensations for an electronic device. In some embodiments, the haptic structure includes a beam structure or other deflection mechanism that is machined from or within a surface or some other component (e.g., a housing component) of the electronic device. The beam structure is coupled to a piezoelectric element and is configured to deflect in different directions, depending on the current, voltage or other input signal that is applied to the piezoelectric element. As the beam structure deflects, a surface of the electronic device may also deflect; this causes a haptic output that creates a tactile sensation. In some embodiments, the haptic output may be provided to an input surface (e.g., a surface, structure, or the like designed to receive an input from a user). 
     More specifically, described herein is an electronic device having an input surface including a haptic structure. The electronic device, may include: an input surface; a haptic structure operably connected to the input surface and comprising: a substrate defining a beam structure; a spacer coupled to a first side of the beam structure; and a piezoelectric element coupled to a second side of the beam structure; wherein the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect the beam structure in a first direction to provide a first haptic output in response to a first input signal applied to the piezoelectric element; and the piezoelectric element is configured to deflect the beam structure in a second direction to provide a second haptic output in response to a second input signal applied to the piezoelectric element. 
     Also described is a haptic structure for an electronic device. The haptic structure includes a surface defining a first deflection mechanism and a second deflection mechanism; a first actuation element coupled to the first deflection mechanism; a second actuation element coupled to the second deflection mechanism; and a substrate coupled to the first deflection mechanism and the second deflection mechanism; wherein the substrate is operable to deflect in response to of one or both of the first and second deflection mechanisms deflecting. 
     The present disclosure also describes an electronic device having an input surface and a haptic structure provided below the input surface. The haptic structure is operable to selectively provide haptic output at different locations on the input surface. The haptic structure includes a first beam structure formed at a first location beneath the input surface, a first spacer coupled to the first beam structure and a first portion of the input surface, and a first piezoelectric element coupled the first beam structure. The first piezoelectric element is operable to cause the first beam structure and the first portion of the input surface to deflect in response to a first received input. The haptic structure also includes a second beam structure formed at a second location beneath the input surface, a second spacer coupled to the second beam structure and a second portion of the input surface, and a second piezoelectric element. The second piezoelectric element is coupled the second beam structure and is operable to cause the second beam structure and the second portion of the input surface to deflect in response to a second received input. 
    
    
     
       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. 1A  illustrates an example electronic device that may use or incorporate a haptic structure that provides haptic output; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates another example electronic device that may use or incorporate a haptic structure that provides haptic output; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an example haptic structure in an inactive state; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates the example haptic structure of  FIG. 2A  in a first active state; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates the example haptic structure of  FIG. 2A  in a second active state; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates another example haptic structure in an inactive state; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates the example haptic structure of  FIG. 3A  in a first active state; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates the example haptic structure of  FIG. 3A  in a second active state; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of a set of example haptic structures; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a bottom view of the example haptic structures of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates example haptic structures in a first operative state; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of the example haptic structures of  FIG. 5A  in a second operative state; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a perspective view of the example haptic structures of  FIG. 5A  in a third operative state; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a top view of another set of example haptic structure; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a bottom view of the example haptic structures of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates still another set of example haptic structures in a first operative state; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective view of the example haptic structures of  FIG. 7A  in a second operative state; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates yet another set of example haptic structures; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates the example haptic structures of  FIG. 8A  in an operative state; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section view of a haptic structure integrated with an electronic device, as taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a first cross-section view of a haptic structure integrated with a display of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a second cross-section view of a haptic structure integrated with a display of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates haptic structures integrated into a sample input device, in this case a stylus. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates haptic structures integrated into a sample input device, in this case a mouse. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     The embodiments described herein are directed to providing global haptic output and localized haptic output on a surface an electronic device. As used herein, the term “global haptic output” means that the haptic structure provides haptic output, and so tactile sensations, on an entire surface of the electronic device in or under which the haptic structure is located. Likewise, the term “localized haptic output” means that the haptic structure provides haptic output on a portion of the surface of the electronic device in or under which the haptic structure is located. The surface may be an input surface configured to accept a user input, for example. 
     The haptic output provided by the haptic structure may be a discrete output or a continuous output. For example, the haptic structure may provide a discrete haptic output to simulate a key or button actuation. In other implementations, the haptic structure may provide a continuous output such as a vibration. The vibration may be used to simulate a texture as a user moves an input mechanism (e.g., a stylus, finger, or the like) over an input surface of the electronic device. 
     In addition to the specific examples given above, the haptic structure may provide localized haptic output or global haptic output in response to any number of events associated with the electronic device. Such events include, but are not limited to, an event associated with an application that is executing on the electronic device, a button or key press, rotation of a dial, crown or knob, an alarm, a displayed image, an incoming or outgoing electronic message, an incoming or outgoing telephone call, and the like. 
     Further, although an electronic device is specifically mentioned and shown in the figures, the haptic structure described herein may be included in various electronic devices, mechanical devices, electromechanical devices and so on. For example, the haptic structure may be included on a stylus, a mouse, a knob, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a band for a wearable electronic device, a wearable deice (such as a watch), gloves, glasses and other wearable devices, and so on. 
     Unlike conventional haptic actuators that utilize vibratory or oscillating motors, the haptic structure of the present disclosure includes one or more beam structures or deflection mechanisms. The beam structures may be formed from or within a substrate, input surface, or other portion of the device. For example, the beam structure may be defined by first and second apertures in a substrate or surface of the electronic device. The apertures are typically (although not necessarily) parallel and spaced apart from one another. In some implementations, the apertures are arranged such that opposing ends of the beam structure are fixed with respect to the substrate or surface. In some embodiments, the apertures may be tapered, angled with respect to one another, curved or otherwise non-linear, and so on, rather than parallel apertures. 
     Sample substrates include exterior surfaces of an electronic device, support structures within an electronic device, plates or the like within an electronic device, and so on. The substrate is generally the structure on or from which haptic actuators are formed, while the “surface” is the structure through which haptic outputs are transmitted. In some embodiments the substrate and surface may be the same. For example, one or more haptic actuators may be formed from or on one side of a material while a user interacts with a second side of the material. Thus, the material may serve as both surface and substrate. 
     In the embodiments described herein, a beam structure having fixed opposing ends is referred to as a “fixed beam structure.” In another embodiment, the beam structure may have one end that is fixed with respect to the substrate while the other end is not. In the embodiments described herein, the beam structure having one fixed end is referred to as a “cantilevered beam structure.” 
     As will be described below, each of the beam structures described herein include a piezoelectric element that causes the beam structure to deflect. The direction of deflection is dependent on a received input signal. For example, the beam structure may deflect in a first direction in response to a first received input signal and may deflect in a second direction in response to a second received input signal. Each received input signal may individually be a voltage signal, a current signal or any other suitable input signal. 
     In some embodiments, the beam structure may be coupled to a surface. As the beam structure deflects, the surface, or portions of the surface, may also deflect or bend. For example, if the beam structure deflects in an upward direction, the surface also deflects in the upward direction. Likewise, if the beam structure deflects in a downward direction, the surface also deflects in the downward direction. Deflection of the beam structure and/or the surface causes the haptic output and corresponding tactile sensation. 
     For example, the beam structure may be flat when in its nominal state. As an input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element, the beam structure may bow convexly or concavely. When a surface is coupled to the beam structure, the deflection of the beam structure causes the surface to deflect or otherwise move. Movement of the surface in this manner provides a haptic output that can be felt by a person touching the surface. A surface may thus act as both an input surface and output surface, insofar as it may receive user input and provide haptic output. 
     In some embodiments, a haptic structure may include a single beam structure having a single piezoelectric element. In other cases, the beam structure may have two or more piezoelectric elements. In still other cases, the haptic structure may include two or more beam structures, and each beam structure may have a single piezoelectric element or multiple piezoelectric elements. In addition, a haptic structure may include fixed beam structures and cantilevered beam structures, either of which may be associated with a piezoelectric element(s). 
     The beam structures may be positioned at different areas or regions. For example, one or more cantilevered beam structures may be positioned on a peripheral portion of the haptic structure while one or more fixed beam structures may be positioned on an inner portion of the haptic structure. Each of the beam structures may be actuated simultaneously, substantially simultaneously and/or sequentially in order to provide different types of haptic output. 
     For example, a first input signal may be provided to the piezoelectric element of a first beam structure at a first time to cause the first beam structure to provide a first haptic output at a first location. A second input signal may be provided to the piezoelectric element of a second beam structure at the same time or at a different time to cause the second beam structure to provide a second haptic output at a second location. 
     In some embodiments, the beam structures may be integrated within a housing, or a portion of the housing, of the electronic device. For example, if the electronic device includes a keyboard, a touchpad or other such input mechanism, the haptic structure may be integrated into the keyboard (e.g., a top case of the keyboard) or the touchpad. In other implementations, the haptic structure may be integrated within a display of an electronic device. 
     The haptic structure may also be used in conjunction with a force-sensing element. For example, the haptic structure and a force-sensing element may be incorporated into a single electronic device. Thus, the force-sensing element may be operative to detect force input received on an input surface of the electronic device and the haptic structure may provide haptic output on the input surface of the electronic device. In other implementations, the piezoelectric element may be configured to determine an amount of force provided on the input surface of the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-9 . 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. 1A  illustrates an example electronic device  100  that may incorporate a haptic structure  140  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The haptic structure  140  may provide a haptic output for the electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the electronic device  100  may be a laptop computing device. In other implementations, the electronic device  100  may be a tablet computing device such as shown in  FIG. 1B . Although  FIGS. 1A-1B  show different electronic devices  100 , like reference numerals are used to designate similar components. For example, each electronic device  100  may include a display. As such, reference numeral  110  is used to designate the display of each electronic device  100 . 
     Further, although specific electronic devices are shown in the figures and described below, the haptic structure described herein may be used with various electronic devices including, but not limited to, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, a time keeping device, a health monitoring device, a wearable electronic device, an input device (e.g., a stylus), a desktop computer, electronic glasses, and so on. Although various electronic devices are mentioned, the haptic structure  140  of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with other products and combined with various materials. 
     For example, the haptic structure  140  may be used on a band of wearable electronic device, a dashboard for an automobile, a steering wheel for an automobile, a housing of an electronic device, a keyboard and so on. Use of the haptic structure described herein may replace conventional rotary or linear actuators. As a result, the profile of the electronic device may be smaller and/or thinner. 
     The electronic device  100  may include a display  110 , a housing  120 , and one or more input mechanisms  130 . In some embodiments, the input mechanism  130  may be a touch-sensitive input device such as a trackpad, a keyboard, and so on. The display  110 , the housing  120 , and the one or more input mechanisms  130  may be coupled to a haptic structure  140  such that haptic output is provided directly on each component. For example, the haptic structure  140  may be provided underneath (or otherwise coupled to) the display  110 , including a cover glass that is part of the display  110 . Thus, when a beam structure or deflection mechanism of the haptic structure  140  is actuated, the display  110  (and, in some embodiments only the cover glass) also deflects to provide the haptic output. 
     In some embodiments, the display  110  may be a touch-sensitive display that detects and measures the location of a touch on an input surface of the display  110 . Thus, when a touch sensor detects the location of the touch, an electronic signal may drive one or more haptic structures  140  at the detected location, thereby generating haptic output at that location. 
     The touch sensor may be a capacitive-based touch sensor that is disposed relative to the display  110  or a display stack of the electronic device  100 . Although a capacitive-based touch sensor is disclosed, other sensors may be used. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include a force-sensing element that uses a force sensor to detect and measure the magnitude of force of a touch on a surface of the electronic device  100 . The surface may be, for example, the display  110 , a track pad, or some other input device or input surface, or may be a surface that is not designed or intended to accept input. 
     The haptic structure  140  of the present disclosure may be combined or otherwise integrated with the touch sensor or the force sensor and may provide both input and output capabilities. For example, the haptic structure  140  may provide haptic output at or near the location of any detected touch input. The haptic structure  140  may also provide various types of haptic output depending on the detected amount of force. In addition, the haptic structure may be used to detect a received amount of force such as will be described below. 
     The electronic device  100  may include a housing  120  that encloses one or more components of the electronic device  100 . The housing  120  may also be coupled to or may otherwise incorporate one or more haptic structures  140 . For example, one or more beam structures of the haptic structure  140  may formed within the housing  120  of the electronic device  100 . 
     The haptic structure  140  may also be used in conjunction with or be coupled to the input mechanism  130 . For example, one or more haptic structures  140  may be coupled to a trackpad and/or a force sensitive input device of an electronic device  100 . 
     The haptic structure  140  disclosed herein may also be used in place of the input mechanism  130 , or as an additional input mechanism. For example, a haptic structure  140  may be placed on, underneath or otherwise integrated with the housing  120 , a cover glass, and/or a display  110  of the electronic device  100  and be used to detect received input. 
     In one implementation, when a force is received at or near the location of the haptic structure  140 , the haptic structure  140  may generate a voltage or current that is measurable by an electronic component of the electronic device  100 . A processing element may sense this charge (or current) and accept it as an input. Such an input may be binary (e.g., counted as an input if the charge or current exceeds a threshold) or variable across a continuum (e.g., different generated charges/currents equate to different inputs or differences in a particular type of input). 
     To continue the example, the amount of current or voltage generated by the haptic structure  140  may vary based on the type of input received. For example, if an amount of current generated or detected is above a first threshold, it may indicate that a first type of touch input is received (e.g., a quick touch or press). If an amount of current generated or detected is above a second threshold, it may indicate that a second type of touch input is received (e.g., a long touch or press). 
     The haptic structure  140  may also work in conjunction with one or more force-sensing elements or one or more force sensors to determine an amount of force that is applied to an input surface (or other surface) of the electronic device  100 . In addition, the haptic structure  140  may be used to determine the location of the received input, and to determine one or more gestures associated with the received input. For example, if a haptic structure or a series of haptic structures detect touch input over a certain time period and over a certain distance on a surface of the electronic device  100 , a swipe gesture may be detected. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an example haptic structure  200  for an electronic device in an inactive state.  FIG. 2B  illustrates the example haptic structure  200  of  FIG. 2A  in a first active state and  FIG. 2C  illustrates the example haptic structure  200  of  FIG. 2A  in a second active state. The haptic structure  200  may be used with the example electronic devices  100  shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
     The haptic structure  200  may include a deflection mechanism  210 . The haptic structure  200  may be referred to as a fixed beam structure as both ends of the deflection mechanism  210  are coupled to, formed within or are otherwise integrated with a surface (such as an input surface or, in some cases, a substrate) that makes up the haptic structure  200 . For example, the deflection mechanism  210  may be defined by two or more parallel apertures extending through by the substrate such as will be shown and described below. 
     The deflection mechanism  210  may be approximately 0.3 mm-0.5 mm thick, approximately 7 mm-9 mm wide and approximately 45 mm long although other dimensions may be used. In addition, a first portion of the deflection mechanism  210  may have a first dimension while a second portion of the deflection mechanism  210  has a second, different dimension. For example, a first portion of the deflection mechanism  210  may have a first thickness while a second portion of the deflection mechanism  210  may have a second thickness. 
     The haptic structure  200  also includes an actuation element  220 . The actuation element  220  may be coupled to a one side of the deflection mechanism  210 . In some implementations, the actuation element  220  is a piezoelectric material. In other implementations, the actuation element  220  may be any type of actuator that moves or that can be driven by an input signal (e.g., an electrical signal such as a current or voltage, light signal, or other input) to cause the deflection mechanism  210  to move or deflect along an axis. 
     For example, when a first input signal is applied to the actuation element  220 , the actuation element  220  may cause the deflection mechanism  210  to have a concave shape such as shown in  FIG. 2B . When a second input signal is applied to the actuation element  220 , the actuation element may cause the deflection mechanism  210  to have a convex shape such as shown in  FIG. 2C . Each time the deflection mechanism  210  deflects, a haptic output may be provided. 
     In some embodiments, the actuation element  220  may be driven to produce a discrete haptic output or may be driven to produce continuous haptic output. Additionally, the actuation element  220  may be driven at a range of frequencies to produce different types and intensities of haptic output. For example, the actuation element  220  may be driven at frequencies of 1 Hz up to 1 kHz or more. 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 2A , a spacer may be affixed to a different side of the deflection mechanism  210  and may couple the deflection mechanism  210  to a surface. The surface may be a cover glass of an electronic device, a housing of the electronic device, and so on. Because the surface is coupled to the deflection mechanism  210 , as the deflection mechanism  210  deflects, the surface may also deflect and provide a haptic output. 
     Although the haptic structure  200  is specifically discussed with respect to an electronic device, the haptic structure  200  may be used with other devices including mechanical devices and electrical devices, as well as non-mechanical and non-electrical devices such as described herein. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates another example haptic structure  300  for an electronic device. The haptic structure  300  may be referred to as a cantilevered beam structure as one end of the deflection mechanism  310  is coupled to, machined from, or otherwise integrated with a substrate of the haptic structure  300  while the other end of the deflection mechanism  310  is free. 
     The haptic structure  300  also includes an actuation element  320 , which may be a piezoelectric actuator or the like. The deflection mechanism  310  and the actuation element  320  may operate in a similar manner to the deflection mechanism  210  and the actuation element  220  described above. 
     For example, when a first input signal is applied to the actuation element  320 , the deflection mechanism  310  may move in a first direction such as shown in  FIG. 3B . Likewise, when a second input signal current is applied to the actuation element  320 , the deflection mechanism  310  may move in a second direction such as shown in  FIG. 3C . As shown, the second direction is generally opposite the first direction. 
     Deflection of the deflection mechanism  310  in the manner described may provide a haptic output to a user of the electronic device. More specifically, as the deflection mechanism  310  deflects, one or more portions of the electronic device that incorporates the haptic structure  300  may also deflect. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a top down view of an example haptic structure  400 . The haptic structure  400  may include a number of fixed beam structures such as described above. More specifically, the haptic structure  400  may include a substrate (which may be an input surface, housing, or interior element of an electronic device such as a support plate) that defines a first aperture  410  and a second aperture  420 . The first aperture  410  is spaced apart from and parallel with respect to the second aperture  420 . The first aperture  410  and the second aperture may be machined from the substrate to form the beam structure  430 . For example, the first aperture  410  and the second aperture  420  may extend entirely or partially through the surface of the haptic structure  400  to form or otherwise define a beam structure  430 . 
     As described above, the beam structures  430  shown in  FIG. 4A  are fixed beam structures as the first aperture  410  and the second aperture  420  are configured such that the opposing ends of the beam structures  430  are fixed or otherwise integrated with the surface of the haptic structure  400 . However, although the beam structures  430  are shown and described as being integrated with or otherwise formed in the surface of the haptic structure  400 , the beam structures  430  may be separate components. For example, one or more apertures, channels or openings may be formed in the surface of the haptic structure  400  and the beam structures  430  may be placed over or within the aperture. 
     In the example shown, the haptic structure  400  includes a 2×4 array of beam structures  430 . However, the size of the haptic structure  400  as well as the number of beam structures  430  is scalable. As such, a haptic structure  400  may include any number of beam structures  430  arranged in various configurations. For example, a haptic structure  400  having a first array of beam structures may be used for one electronic device while a haptic structure  400  having a second array of beam structures  430  may be used for a different computing device. It should also be noted that a single electronic device may have haptic structures with varying arrays of beam structures. 
     In some embodiments, the haptic structure  400  may include a spacer  440 . The spacer may be coupled to a first side of the beam structure  430 . The spacer  440  may be used to couple the beam structure  430  to an output surface (e.g., surface  510  of  FIG. 5A ). The spacer  440  may be an energy absorbing material such as a polyurethane material. The spacer  440  may also have an adhesive material that couples the beam structure  430  to the surface. As described above, when the beam structure  430  deflects, the surface may also deflect to provide a haptic output. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a bottom view of the haptic structure  400 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , a piezoelectric element  450  may be provided on an underside of each beam structure  430 . When an input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element  450 , one or more dimensions of the piezoelectric element  450  may change. For example, when a first input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element  450 , a length of the piezoelectric element  450  may increase which causes the beam structure  430  to exhibit a concave shape or deflect in a first direction. Likewise, when a second input signal is applied to the piezoelectric element  450 , the length of the piezoelectric element  450  may decrease which causes the beam structure  430  to exhibit a convex shape or deflect in a second direction. 
     As described above, in some implementations, the haptic structure described herein may be configured to provide localized haptic output or global haptic output. For example, when providing global haptic output, all of the beam structures in a given area of the haptic structure may be actuated. When providing localized haptic output, one or more beam structures in a given area of the haptic structure may be actuated. 
     For example and referring to  FIG. 5A , a haptic structure  500  may include one or more beam structures  520 . Each of the beam structures  520  may be adhered or otherwise coupled to a surface  510  using one or more spacers  530 . In some implementations, the surface may be a cover glass of a display, an input surface of a trackpad, a housing of an electronic device and so on. The surface  510  may also be plastic, acrylic, an alloy material, or other material. 
     When providing global haptic output, all of the beam structures  520  of the haptic structure may deflect such as shown. In response, the s  510  also deflects or moves in the same direction as the beam structures  520 . Although  FIG. 5A  illustrates the beam structures  520  in a raised or convex configuration, the beam structures  520  may move downward or otherwise have a concave configuration such that the beam structures  520  extend below a surface of the haptic structure  500 . In either case, the surface  510  may move along with the beam structure  520  due to the coupling between the spacer  530  and the surface  510 . 
     Although a single surface  510  is shown, each beam structure  520  may be associated with an individual or otherwise unique surface. Thus, as each beam structure  520  is actuated, its corresponding surface  510  may also be moved accordingly. For example, each surface  510  may be an individual key of a keyboard. As the beam structure  520  is actuated, each individual key may move accordingly. 
     In other implementations, a nominal state of the beam structure  520  may be a state in which the beam structure  520  is concave or convex. When the piezoelectric element is actuated, the beam structure may flatten out or become more concave or convex. This may be useful when rounded surfaces (e.g., a cover glass for a display with a rounded edge and so on) are used. As such, haptic output may be provided on both flat surfaces and rounded surfaces. 
       FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C  illustrate the haptic structure  500  providing localized haptic output. For example, in  FIG. 5B , a top center beam structure  520  is deflected in response to an input signal being applied to a piezoelectric element associated with the top center beam structure  520 . In response, a portion of the surface  510  adjacent to the top center beam structure  520  also deflects and provides a haptic output. 
     Likewise and as shown in  FIG. 5C , a top right beam structure  520  of the haptic structure  500  may be actuated in a similar manner. As a result, a portion of the surface  510  adjacent the beam structure  520  may also deflect in the same direction. Thus, it can be appreciated that a first haptic actuator can generate a haptic output at or through a first part of the input surface, and a second haptic actuator can generate another haptic output at or through a second part of the input surface. 
     Although the examples shown and described show a single beam structure being actuated, different combinations of beam structures  520  may be actuated simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or sequentially. In addition, a first beam structure  520  may be actuated in a first direction (e.g., to exhibit a convex shape) while a second beam structure  520  is actuated in a second, opposing direction (e.g., to exhibit a concave shape). In yet other implementations, one beam structure  520  may be actuated at a first location while a different beam structure  520  is actuated at a second location to dampen or enhance the haptic output provided at the first location. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a top down view of another example haptic structure  600 . The haptic structure  600  may include a number of cantilevered beam structures such as described above. More specifically, the haptic structure  600  may include a substrate that defines an aperture  610  that extends around a beam structure  620  such that one end of the beam structure is integrated with the surface of the haptic structure  600  while the other end of the beam structure is not fixed to the surface of the haptic structure  600 . 
     The haptic structure  600  may include a spacer  630 . The spacer  630  may function in a similar manner to the spacer  440  described above. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a bottom view of the haptic structure  600 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , a piezoelectric element  640  may be provided on an underside of each beam structure  620 . The piezoelectric element  640  may function in a similar manner to the piezoelectric element  440  described above. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of an example haptic structure  700  in a first operative state. The haptic structure  700  may include one or more cantilevered beam structures  720  coupled to a surface  710  using one or more spacers  730 . Like the haptic structure  500  described above, the haptic structure  700  may be configured to provide global haptic output or localized haptic output such as described. 
     For example, and referring to  FIG. 7B , one or more beam structures  720  may deflect in response to a piezoelectric element of the beam structure  720  being actuated. As the beam structure  720  deflects, the portion of the surface  710  that is adjacent or otherwise coupled to the beam structure  720  may also deflect due to the coupling between the spacer  730 , the beam structure  720  and the surface  710 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a perspective view of another example haptic structure  800 . In this embodiment, the haptic structure  800  includes cantilevered beam structures  810  and fixed beam structures  820 . Each of the cantilevered beam structures  810  and the fixed beam structures  820  function in a similar manner as described above. 
     For example, and as shown in  FIG. 8B , a cantilevered beam structure  810  may be actuated simultaneously with a fixed beam structure. In some embodiments, the cantilevered beam structure  810  may be placed on a periphery of the haptic structure  800  in order to provide enhanced haptic output near a border or a boundary of the haptic structure  800 . The enhanced haptic output may be needed around the periphery of the haptic structure  800  due to various boundary conditions associated with the haptic structure  800 . For example, the peripheral portions of a surface may be coupled to the cantilevered beam structure  810  while the fixed beam structure  820  is affixed to a housing of an electronic device, which causes the surface to be more difficult to move at those locations. 
     The cantilevered haptic structure  810  may be positioned such that the free end of the beam structure is positioned near the periphery such as shown in order to provide a more pronounced haptic output at those locations. 
     In some embodiments, different combinations of cantilevered beam structures  810  and fixed beam structures  820  may be actuated simultaneously, substantially simultaneously or in sequence. In addition, each of the beam structures may be deflected in the same or different directions. In other embodiments, a first set of beam structures may provide a first type of haptic output (e.g., a discrete haptic output) while a second set of beam structures provide a second type of output (e.g., a continuous haptic output). 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section view of a haptic structure  900  integrated with an electronic device such as, for example, a keyboard. In this example, the cross-section of the haptic structure  900  may be taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1A . 
     The haptic structure  900 , and more specifically, the deflection mechanisms  920  of the haptic structure  900  may be integrated with or otherwise formed in a housing  910  (e.g., a top case) of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the apertures that formed deflection mechanisms  920  are machined out of the housing  910 . 
     As described above, the haptic structure  900  includes an actuation element  930  formed on a first side of the deflection mechanism  920  and a spacer  940  formed on the opposite side of the actuation element  930 . The spacer  940  may be adhesively coupled to a surface  950 . 
     When a current is applied to the actuation element  930 , the deflection mechanism  920  deflects (e.g., bows or otherwise moves in an upward direction or a downward direction). As the deflection mechanism  920  deflects, the surface  950  moves in a similar manner such as described above. 
     In some cases, the haptic structures may be integrated into a display  110  of an electronic device, such as the laptop computing device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate cross-sectional views of sample haptic structures  140  beneath a display  110  of a computing device  100 . In the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 10A , multiple haptic actuators  140  of different rows of actuators may be seen. In the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 10B , multiple haptic actuators  140 , each in different columns, may be seen. Typically, the haptic actuators  140  will operate to bow, bend, or otherwise deflect towards the cover glass  1030  and thus deform the cover glass  1030 , as described in more detail below. 
     Each haptic actuator  140  is disposed on a support  1000  formed from a portion of the laptop housing  1010 . In some embodiments, the actuators  140  may rest on (or be part of) beam structures formed from the support  1000  as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     Generally, the haptic actuators  140  are disposed beneath a display layer  1020  and a cover glass  1030 ; the display layer  1020  and cover glass  1030  collectively form the display  110  of the electronic device. The display layer may be a LCD display, LED display, OLED display, or any other suitable display. Likewise, the cover glass  1030  may be formed from glass (whether or not chemically strengthened), plastic, sapphire, or any other suitable material. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the cover glass  1030  and display layer  1020  are both shown as floating with respect to the housing  1010 . The cover glass and/or display layer may abut and/or be affixed to the housing in certain embodiments, or they may be separated by a gap as shown. In other embodiments, the display layer and cover glass may abut and/or be affixed to the housing at certain points but float at others. 
     When a haptic actuator  140  is activated, it may flex, deflect, or otherwise deform as described herein. This operation may, in turn, deflect both the display layer  1020  and the cover glass  1030  upward, thereby providing a haptic output to a user in contact with the cover glass  1030 . 
     Although the cover glass  1030  and display layer  1020  both deform, this deformation may not be visually perceptible as it may be too small to see. In other embodiments, the deformation may be visually perceptible but typically covered by a user&#39;s finger, a stylus, or other object receiving haptic feedback through the cover glass. 
     It should be appreciated that embodiments described herein may be used in any number of different electronic devices. For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates a stylus  1100  that incorporates a set of haptic structures  1110 . The haptic structures may be within the body of the stylus  1100 , or on its exterior. The haptic structures may be formed on or attached to a substrate within the body, on an interior or exterior of the sidewall, and so on. Regardless of location, the haptic structures  1110  may provide a haptic output (and thus tactile sensation) to a person gripping, touching, or otherwise interacting with the stylus. 
     Likewise,  FIG. 12  illustrates a mouse  1200  that incorporates multiple haptic structures  1210  in place of buttons. The haptic structures may simulate the “click” or a traditional mouse button or may provide more complex and/or sophisticated feedback. In some embodiments, a force applied to the exterior of the mouse  1200  may cause the haptic structures  1210  to deform, thereby generating an electrical signal from or in a piezoelectric element of the haptic structure. The magnitude of this electrical signal may vary with the exerted force, insofar as greater forces may deflect or deform the piezoelectric element more than weaker forces. Thus, the haptic structure  1210  may also receive input from a user in a manner similar to a dome switch or other switch element, but may have the additional benefit of measuring non-binary forces. The various haptic structures described herein may thus be used as both input and output mechanisms. 
     In yet other embodiments, haptic structures may be incorporated into an output surface that does not also accept touch or force input. In yet other embodiments, a wearable device (such as a watch) may incorporate sample haptic structures as described herein on a portion of the wearable device in contact with a user&#39;s skin when worn. The haptic structures may actuate to provide the output to the user&#39;s skin. Such haptic structures may be on the inside of a band, back of a watch body, and so on. 
     Accordingly, it should be appreciated that any of a variety of electronic devices may incorporate haptic structures described herein. 
     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 intended 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: 20200226
Publication Date: 20211019
Grant Date: 20211019
Priority Date: 20160921
Inventors: LEHMANN, Alex J.
PU, Juan
WANG, PAUL X.
XU, QILIANG
GAO, ZHENG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04162", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/094", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/1136", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/1132", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/1134", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/113", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/0933", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L41/09", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/302", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/2042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/2042", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/306", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/2041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/304", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/2041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10N30/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 61621045