Apple Inc.
Force transducer for electronic devices

Abstract:

A force transducer for an electronic device can be operated in a drive mode and a sense mode simultaneously. In particular, the force transducer can provide haptic output while simultaneously receiving force input from a user. The force transducer is primarily defined by a monolithic piezoelectric body, a ground electrode, a drive electrode, and a sense electrode. The ground electrode and the drive electrode each include multiple electrically-electrically conductive sheets that extend into the monolithic body; the electrically conductive sheets of the ground electrode and the drive electrode are interdigitally engaged. The sense electrode of the force transducer is typically disposed on an exterior surface of the monolithic body.