SUSPENSION ELEMENT HAVING INTEGRATED PIEZO MATERIAL FOR PROVIDING HAPTIC EFFECTS TO A TOUCH SCREEN

摘要

A compliant suspension element is disclosed for use in mounting an electronic touch screen or touch surface. At least one compliant suspension element couples a touch screen and a housing component together such that the touch screen component is movable relative to the housing component. A segment of piezo material is coupled to opposing surfaces of the at least one suspension element for producing a force that moves the touch screen component relative to the housing component and thereby provide a haptic effect to a user of the touch screen component. In reaction to the force produced by the segments of piezo material, the at least one suspension element is configured to allow movement of the touch screen component relative to the housing component in a first direction and to limit movement between the touch screen component and the housing component in at least a second direction.