Apple Inc.
Electronic device having a haptic actuator with magnetic augmentation

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are electronic devices having piezoelectric haptic actuators to generate haptic output. The haptic actuators can be configured as a beam with a bendable material layer and a piezoelectric material layer the cause the beam to bend. The bending force can be increased by coupling a magnet to the beam and positioning a ferritic plate near the magnet. Alternatively, a ferritic plate can be attached to the beam, with the magnet positioned apart from, but near, the plate. The haptic actuator can have a two-sided piezoelectric configuration, having a piezoelectric layer on each side of the bendable material layer. A two-sided piezoelectric configuration can have a second magnet and ferritic plate pair on a side of the beam opposite the first. The haptic actuator may use electromagnets.