Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.

A coversheet layer of an information handling system, comprising a coversheet having a key location of a haptic keyboard and a haptic touchpad area on a C-cover for the information handling system including a magnet or ferromagnetic insert in the coversheet for alignment to a top replaceable overlay layer magnetically attachable to the coversheet, a support layer, a contact foil placed between the coversheet and support layer, a piezoelectric element placed between the contact foil and support layer to receive an applied mechanical stress at the key location or touchpad actuation location of the coversheet and generate an electric actuation signal and a controller of the information handling system operatively coupled to the contact foil to receive the electric actuation signal and send an electrical haptic response signal to the piezoelectric element to cause the piezoelectric element to generate haptic feedback.

A momentary electrical push switch that can be configured for 2 or more activation positions. The switch has a top surface, or “key” top, which is pressed down upon in different areas to actuate the switch's different activation positions. The key top can be of various shapes, such as quadrangles, circle, hexagon, etc., or irregular shapes, to suit a particular application. The key top can be divided into multiple segments, or activation zones, each corresponding to a different activation position of the switch. The key allows free-form movement when pressing down upon it, without requiring the user to use specific or narrowly-defined motions to actuate the various activation positions.

One variation for a seamless touch sensor includes: a substrate, a baseplate, a haptic actuator, a cover layer, and a controller. The substrate includes: a top layer including a set of drive and sense electrode pairs; and a bottom layer including an array of force sensors. The baseplate: is arranged below the substrate; and including an array of spring elements coupling the baseplate to the substrate. The haptic actuator is arranged below the substrate and includes: a multi-layer inductor; and a first magnetic element facing the multi-layer inductor. The cover layer is arranged over the substrate to define a continuous surface defining an active region and a inactive touch region. The controller is configured to drive an oscillating voltage across the multi-layer inductor to: induce alternating magnetic coupling between the multi-layer inductor and the magnetic element; and oscillate the active touch region of the cover layer relative to the magnetic element.

Systems and methods provide haptic feedback within areas of keyboard using a single haptic device, while isolating the feedback to keys that are being pressed. A keyboard may include multiple key areas. Each key area includes a mechanical actuator. Each key area also includes a sensor layer located below a plurality of haptic key plates and located above the mechanical actuator. Each key area also includes a flexible membrane that dampens haptic feedback and separates each of the haptic key plates from neighboring key plates. Each key area also includes haptic key plates that each include one or more protrusions. When a key plate is pressed, protrusions of the pressed key plate contact the sensor layer to trigger activation of the mechanical actuator to generate haptic feedback. The protrusions of the pressed key plate transmit the generated haptic feedback from the mechanical actuator to the key plate.

A touch sensing device including a housing, a movable part, a covering, and a lifting actuator. The movable part is relatively movable within an opening of the housing relative to an edge portion of the opening, between first and second heights. The covering includes a flexible layer covering at least the edge portion and the movable part. The flexible layer includes first and second portions directly or indirectly fixed to the edge portion and to the movable part, respectively. The flexible layer can partly flex and stretch or partly shrink in accordance with a relative movement of the second portion relative to the first portion, from a third height to a fourth height, or vice versa. The lifting actuator can move the movable part or the edge portion to relatively move the movable part, from the first height to the second height, or vice versa, relative to the edge portion.

Systems, devices and methods for the management of glucose levels in the body of patient featuring user interface input mechanisms configured to provide haptic feedback to the user are provided.

One variation of a system for a haptic actuator includes: a substrate; a baseplate; a magnetic element; and a set of spacer elements. The substrate includes: a first layer including a first spiral trace coiled in a first direction; and a second layer. The second layer is arranged below the first layer and includes a second spiral trace: coiled in a second direction opposite the first direction; and coupled to the first spiral trace to form an inductor. The substrate further includes terminals arranged about a periphery of the substrate and coupled to the inductor. The baseplate is arranged opposite the substrate. The magnetic element is: arranged on the baseplate; and defines a first polarity facing the inductor. The first set of spacer elements are: interposed between the baseplate and the substrate; arranged proximal edges of the baseplate; and defines a nominal gap between the magnetic element and the inductor.

A peripheral device for a computing system comprises an electrical switch and a user depressible button. An electrostatic brake is attached to the user depressible button and controls a force profile of the keystroke of the user depressible button. The button is coupled to and is configured to actuate the electrical switch at the end of the keystroke. A movable electrode is coupled to the depressible button and a stationary electrode is positioned parallel to and proximate the movable electrode. A dielectric material is positioned between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode forming an electrostatic brake. An electrical circuit is coupled to the first and the second electrodes and is configured to apply a voltage potential between the first and the second electrodes to apply a resistive force to the depressible button.

A peripheral device for a computing system comprises an electrical switch and a user depressible button. An electrostatic brake is attached to the user depressible button and controls a force profile of the keystroke of the user depressible button. The button is coupled to and is configured to actuate the electrical switch at the end of the keystroke. A movable electrode is coupled to the depressible button and a stationary electrode is positioned parallel to and proximate the movable electrode. A dielectric material is positioned between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode forming an electrostatic brake. An electrical circuit is coupled to the first and the second electrodes and is configured to apply a voltage potential between the first and the second electrodes to apply a resistive force to the depressible button.