On September 3rd, Apple was reportedly granted a new patent for its Taptic Engine, focusing on significantly improving the impact resistance of electronic devices like the iPhone through a mechanical system.
The core of this design is the integration of a nonlinear spring assembly (a property in which a material or structure's stiffness changes with deformation under load, softening under light loads and stiffening under heavy loads) within the Taptic Engine housing. Specifically, a cantilevered spring structure is employed. These springs have been geometrically optimized (e.g., chamfered edges and variable thickness) to achieve nonlinear stiffness characteristics: a soft response to minor impacts and increased rigidity under major impacts. This effectively absorbs and distributes external forces, preventing damage to internal components from transient peak loads.
When the Taptic Engine is operating normally, a suspended mass vibrates via a flexible support to produce tactile feedback. However, if the device is dropped or impacted, the mass undergoes drastic displacement. Instead of directly impacting the housing, the mass contacts a cantilevered spring assembly. The spring deformation prolongs the impact force, gradually dissipating the energy and significantly reducing the risk of component failure. This mechanism achieves a "mechanical shock absorber"-like effect within a confined space.
The patent clearly outlines the technology's broad potential applications, encompassing smartphones, smartwatches, wearables, and AR/VR accessories. For the iPhone, haptic feedback is a core feature for notification interactions; the Apple Watch, worn on the wrist, is more susceptible to collisions; and AR/VR devices demand extremely high reliability from precision components. This design improves durability and user experience without increasing device size or weight.
