Compact haptic reactor achieves a 90% reduction in size

Alps Alpine has released the compact Haptic Reactor 'U-Type', which achieves approximately 90% size reduction (by volume) compared to its predecessors. Maintaining high-vibration performance, this new model can be installed in tight spaces that were previously challenging.

This product was developed principally for installation in automotive steering wheels and air-conditioning control units. Currently, push switches are often used in automotive control units. However, driven by the trend toward higher-quality interior design, touch panels are increasingly replacing conventional switches. While electronic sounds are often employed to confirm operations on touch panels, there is an increasing demand for vibration-based feedback as an alternative. This approach provides intuitive usability while maintaining cabin quietness.

The company has been delivering haptic reactors as tactile feedback devices to meet such needs. However, due to their larger size, conventional models were difficult to integrate into space-constrained areas like touch panel-based steering wheels and air-conditioning controls. The company developed the 'U-Type' to manage this challenge, greatly reducing size while maintaining high-vibration performance.

The reduced U-Type size allows installation in limited spaces with measurements of W 10mm × D 19mm × H 5mm and conventional product (heavy type): W 23mm × D 33mm × H 13mm.

It can be used for warning vibrations during driving and vibration effects in gaming controllers. While the Hybrid Tough Type and Heavy Type Haptic Reactor are also suited to automotive control devices and gaming controllers, the U-Type is optimal for applications needing installation in confined spaces.