Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)

For a haptic engine module with AROD magnets, embodiments are disclosed. AROD magnets are composed of two adjacent magnets having opposite polarizations, and adjoining coils that are above or below the magnets. The coils and magnets are together in the along direction. It is the perpendicular direction to the Lorentz force direction as well as the polarization direction. In operation the current of excitation flows across both coils, but in opposite directions. To provide haptic forces (e.g. clicking, vibration) in the engine’s haptic function can be embedded into an electronic device having an extreme aspect ratio (e.g. a touch bar on notebook computers).

A wide range of electronic gadgets, like tablets, smartphones, laptop computers, trackpads and touch bars make use of electromagnetic actuator technology. A module with an electromagnetic motor that generates a Lorentz force from magnetic flux projected perpendicularly to a coil creates the haptic engine. The most common method of designing engines that have high aspect ratios, for instance those that are large or thin, is to extend the coil with the magnet in the longdirection all the way to ends. This is a straightforward method that decreases the magnetic flux to Lorentz force. It does so because of the effects of different magnetic circuits upon the distribution of magnetic field.

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