Apple inc. (20240103624). Gap Sensing Via Engine Coil simplified abstract
Contents
- 1 Gap Sensing Via Engine Coil
Gap Sensing Via Engine Coil
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Denis G. Chen of San Jose CA (US)
Darya Amin-shahidi of Menlo Park CA (US)
Gap Sensing Via Engine Coil - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240103624 titled 'Gap Sensing Via Engine Coil
Simplified Explanation
The haptic engine described in the patent application includes a coil assembly and a stator, with the coil assembly being coupled to an input structure like a button cap. The device operates in two modes: a gap sensing mode where a voltage is driven through the coil assembly to determine the impedance and gap between the coil assembly and the stator, and a haptic drive mode where a voltage is driven through the coil assembly to produce a haptic output.
- Coil assembly and stator components
- Input structure coupling
- Gap sensing mode for impedance and gap determination
- Haptic drive mode for haptic output production
Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming controllers, and wearable devices to provide haptic feedback for enhanced user experience.
Problems Solved
1. Accurate determination of gap between components 2. Efficient production of haptic feedback
Benefits
1. Improved user experience 2. Precise haptic feedback 3. Enhanced device functionality
Potential Commercial Applications
"Enhancing User Experience with Haptic Technology in Electronic Devices"
Possible Prior Art
There are existing haptic engines and actuators in electronic devices, but the specific implementation described in this patent application may be novel.
What is the manufacturing process for the coil assembly and stator components?
The manufacturing process for the coil assembly and stator components may involve precision engineering techniques to ensure proper alignment and functionality of the haptic engine.
How does the device differentiate between the gap sensing mode and the haptic drive mode?
The device likely uses a control mechanism or software algorithm to switch between the two modes based on user input or system requirements.
Original Abstract Submitted
a haptic engine for an electronic device includes a coil assembly and a stator. the coil assembly may be coupled to an input structure, such as a button cap. in an gap sensing mode, a first voltage may be driven through the coil assembly to determine an impedance of the coil assembly. the impedance is then used to determine a gap between the coil assembly and the stator. in a haptic drive mode, a second voltage is driven through the coil assembly to produce a haptic output.
