Transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device and assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device and assembly. [Solution] The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to the present invention may include: a first electrode portion having voltage polarity determined by a power supply voltage applied from a power supply unit; a second electrode portion disposed apart from the first electrode portion and having a voltage polarity different from that of the first electrode portion due to a power supply voltage applied from the power supply unit; and an electroactive gel disposed in contact with the first and second electrode portions to electrically connect them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transparent flexible seamless haptic-spectrum actuator device and an assembly. More specifically, a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion arranged apart from each other are adhered to an electroactive gel, and a power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, so that a first electric field is generated by a first polarized charge induced on the gel surface of the electroactive gel, thereby applying an electrostatic attraction force to the body surface, and providing a first tactile sensation to the user in both a non-contact mode where the electroactive gel and the body surface are not in contact and a contact mode where the electroactive gel and the body surface are in contact. The power supply voltage is applied from the power supply unit to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and the plasticizer and the polymer chain of the electroactive gel move to either one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and the shape of the electroactive gel is deformed, thereby vibrating the body surface and providing a second tactile sensation to the user in the contact mode. The present invention relates to a transparent flexible seamless haptic-spectrum actuator device capable of doing so.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, most touch interface devices provide tactile feedback to provide users with diverse and vivid feelings.

[0003] Conventional tactile feedback mostly uses vibration stimuli using vibration actuators. Recently, however, research on technologies for providing various textures has been actively conducted to enhance the user experience. Conventional texture expression methods include, for example, a method of providing different frictional sensations to the fingers by changing the frictional force on the touch surface using ultrasonic vibrations, a method of arranging piezoelectric element actuators in a matrix form to change the frictional force between the finger and the vibrating surface to provide a frictional sensation, a method of providing a stimulus using the suction force of air, a method of providing an electrical stimulus, and a method of providing a cold and warm sensation stimulus using a temperature difference. There are various types such as these.

[0004] However, conventional methods for representing texture have the disadvantage of requiring large and complex equipment configurations, making them difficult to apply to portable devices.

[0005] Therefore, technologies that use electroactive polymers to express tactile sensations and textures have recently been introduced.

[0006] Electroactive polymers are materials that can reliably exhibit phenomena such as expansion, contraction, and warping in response to electrical stimulation. Due to their fast response speed and wide operating frequency range, they have recently attracted attention in fields such as tactile actuators, artificial muscles, artificial hearts, smart skin, and ultra-precision machinery. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2405010 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device and assembly in which a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion, spaced apart from each other, are bonded to an electroactive gel, and when a power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, a first electric field is generated by a first polarization charge induced on the gel surface of the electroactive gel, thereby applying an electrostatic attraction to the body surface, providing the user with a first tactile sensation in both a non-contact mode where the electroactive gel and the body surface are not in contact, and a contact mode where the electroactive gel and the body surface are in contact, and when a power supply voltage is applied from a power supply to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, the plasticizer and polymer chain of the electroactive gel move to either the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, deforming the shape of the electroactive gel, thereby vibrating the body surface and providing the user with a second tactile sensation in the contact mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to the present invention may include: a first electrode portion having voltage polarity determined by a power supply voltage applied from a power supply unit; a second electrode portion disposed apart from the first electrode portion and having a voltage polarity different from that of the first electrode portion due to a power supply voltage applied from the power supply unit; and an electroactive gel disposed in contact with the first and second electrode portions to electrically connect them.

[0010] Preferably, the electroactive gel has a first polarization charge induced on its surface by a first electric field generated by applying the power supply voltage to the first and second electrode portions, and the transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectral actuator device according to the present invention can apply an electrostatic attraction force to the user's body surface that is separated from the gel surface or in contact with the gel surface by the generation of a second electric field from the induced first polarization charge.

[0011] Preferably, when the power supply voltage is an AC voltage, the electroactive gel has a periodically changing induction direction for the first polarization charge induced on its surface, and the transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectral actuator device according to the present invention can provide a first tactile sensation, which is a vibration of the body surface due to the periodically changing electrostatic attraction, by periodically changing the induction direction of the first polarization charge.

[0012] Preferably, the electroactive gel comprises a plasticizer and a polymer chain, and preferably, the electroactive gel can be deformed into a first deformed state by a first electric field generated by applying the power supply voltage to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, such that the plasticizer and the polymer chain move toward the first electrode portion, or the shape can be deformed into a second deformed state by moving toward the second electrode portion.

[0013] Preferably, when the power supply voltage is an AC voltage, the electroactive gel is periodically deformed into either the first or second deformed state, and the transparent flexible seamless haptospectral actuator device can provide a second tactile sensation, which is vibration of the user's body surface in contact with the gel surface of the electroactive gel, due to the periodic deformation of the shape of the electroactive gel.

[0014] Preferably, the first electrode portion comprises a first main electrode formed in the shape of a rod; and a plurality of first sub-electrodes formed in the shape of a rod, at a predetermined angle with the first main electrode, and protruding from the first main electrode toward the second main electrode described below. The device comprises: a second main electrode, the second electrode portion being formed in a rod shape, spaced apart from the first main electrode and arranged parallel to the first main electrode; and a plurality of second sub-electrodes, each formed in a rod shape, at a predetermined angle with respect to the second main electrode, and protruding from the second main electrode toward the first main electrode; wherein the plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of second sub-electrodes can be arranged such that the second sub-electrodes are adjacent to the first sub-electrodes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion, spaced apart from each other, are adhered to an electroactive gel. When a power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, a first electric field is generated by the first polarization charge induced on the gel surface of the electroactive gel, thereby applying an electrostatic attraction to the body surface. This provides the user with a first tactile sensation in both a non-contact mode, where the electroactive gel and the body surface are not in contact, and a contact mode, where the electroactive gel and the body surface are in contact. Furthermore, when a power supply voltage is applied from the power supply to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, the plasticizer and polymer chain of the electroactive gel move to either the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion, deforming the shape of the electroactive gel and causing the body surface to vibrate, thereby providing the user with a second tactile sensation in contact mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a top-separated perspective view of a transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a lower separation perspective view of a transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, from A to A'. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, between A and A', illustrating an example of how the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention applies electrostatic attraction to a body surface. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, between A and A', and is a drawing illustrating another example of how the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention applies electrostatic attraction to a body surface. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with respect to A-A', and the drawing shows the electroactive gel of the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention deformed into a first deformation state. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with respect to A-A', and the drawing shows the electroactive gel of the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention deformed into a second deformation state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are presented to assist in understanding the present invention. However, the following embodiments are provided only to more easily understand the present invention, and the content of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectrum actuator device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an upper partial perspective view of a transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectrum actuator device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a lower partial perspective view of a transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectrum actuator device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectrum actuator device according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along A-A' of FIG. 1.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a transparent flexible seamless hapto-spectrum actuator device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the 'actuator device') according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first electrode portion 110, a second electrode portion 120, and an electroactive gel 130.

[0020] The first electrode portion 110 can have a voltage polarity by the power supply voltage applied from the power supply portion 150.

[0021] Such a first electrode portion 110 may be formed of a transparent and flexible material.

[0022] For example, the first electrode portion 110 may be formed of a hydrogel.

[0023] Also, the first electrode portion 110 may be formed in a predetermined pattern.

[0024] Specifically, the first electrode portion 110 may include a first main electrode 111 and a plurality of first sub-electrodes 112.

[0025] The first main electrode 111 is formed in a rod shape and is spaced apart from the second main electrode 121, which will be described later, but it may also be arranged in parallel with it.

[0026] Multiple first sub-electrodes 112 may be formed in a rod shape, forming a predetermined angle with the first main electrode 111, and protruding from the first main electrode 111 toward the second main electrode 121, which will be described later.

[0027] For example, multiple first sub-electrodes 112 may be perpendicular to the first main electrode 111.

[0028] Furthermore, the multiple first sub-electrodes 112 may be arranged at a distance from the multiple second sub-electrodes 112, which will be described later.

[0029] The second electrode section 120 can have voltage polarity depending on the power supply voltage applied from the power supply section 150.

[0030] In this case, the second electrode portion 120 may have a voltage polarity different from that of the first electrode portion 110.

[0031] Such a second electrode portion 120 may be formed from a transparent and flexible material.

[0032] For example, the second electrode portion 120 may be formed from a hydrogel.

[0033] Furthermore, the second electrode portion 120 may be formed in a predetermined pattern.

[0034] Specifically, the second electrode section 120 may include a second main electrode 121 and a plurality of second sub-electrodes 122.

[0035] The second main electrode 121 is formed in a rod shape and is spaced apart from the first main electrode 111, but may be arranged parallel to it.

[0036] Multiple second sub-electrodes 122 may be formed in a rod shape, forming a predetermined angle with the second main electrode 121, and protruding from the second main electrode 121 toward the first main electrode 121.

[0037] For example, multiple second sub-electrodes 122 may be perpendicular to the second main electrode 121.

[0038] Furthermore, the multiple second sub-electrodes 122 may be arranged at a distance from the multiple first sub-electrodes 122.

[0039] On the other hand, a second sub-electrode 122 may be placed at a distance between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 112 among the multiple first sub-electrodes 112.

[0040] In other words, one first sub-electrode 112 may be positioned spaced apart between two adjacent second sub-electrodes 122 among the multiple second sub-electrodes 122.

[0041] The electroactive gel 130 is positioned in contact with the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120.

[0042] For this purpose, the electroactive gel 130 can be formed by recessing a first electrode groove H1 in its lower surface into which the first electrode portion 110 can be inserted.

[0043] The first electrode groove H1 can be formed by recessing it into a shape corresponding to the pattern shape of the first electrode portion 110.

[0044] Furthermore, the electroactive gel 130 can be formed by recessing a second electrode groove H2 in its lower surface into which the second electrode portion 120 can be inserted.

[0045] The second electrode groove H2 can be formed by recessing it into a shape corresponding to the pattern shape of the second electrode portion 120.

[0046] As a result, when the first electrode portion 110 is inserted into the first electrode groove H1 and the second electrode portion 120 is inserted into the second electrode groove H2, the electroactive gel 130 can surround the top and side surfaces of the first electrode portion 110, that is, the top and side surfaces of the first main electrode 111 and the plurality of first sub-electrodes 112, and can surround the top and side surfaces of the second electrode portion 120, that is, the top and side surfaces of the second main electrode 121 and the plurality of second sub-electrodes 122.

[0047] As a result, since the electroactive gel 130 is a conductive material, the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120 can be electrically connected.

[0048] Here, the electroactive gel 130 may be a gel-like substance composed of polymer chains and a plasticizer flowing between the polymer chains.

[0049] For example, the electroactive gel 130 may be made of an electroactive polymer (EAP), and as an example of an electroactive polymer (EAP), the electroactive gel 130 may be PVC gel.

[0050] A PVC gel (nPVC gel) consists of PVC chains and a dibutyl adipate (DBA) plasticizer. Pure PVC becomes plastic with dibutyl adipate (DBA), which increases the free volume of the PVC chains and decreases the intermolecular attractive forces of the PVC chains.

[0051] On the other hand, an actuator device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a support plate 140 that supports a first electrode portion 110, a second electrode portion 120, and an electroactive gel 130 at the bottom.

[0052] The support plate 140 is formed in a plate shape, and its upper surface is in contact with the lower surfaces of the first electrode portion 110, the second electrode portion 120, and the electroactive gel 130, respectively, thereby supporting the first electrode portion 110, the second electrode portion 120, and the electroactive gel 130.

[0053] Such a support plate 140 may be formed from a transparent and flexible material.

[0054] Such a support plate 140 may be formed from the same material as the electroactive gel 130, or it may be formed from a non-conductive material.

[0055] On the other hand, an actuator device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a power supply unit 150 that is electrically connected to the first electrode unit 110 and the second electrode unit 120 respectively and applies a power supply voltage between the first electrode unit 110 and the second electrode unit 120, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the power supply unit 150.

[0056] Such a power supply unit 150 can consist of a voltage source, a circuit that electrically connects the first electrode unit 110 and the second electrode unit 120 to the voltage source, and a switch that energizes or disconnects the circuit.

[0057] The control unit can control the power supply voltage output of the power supply unit 150.

[0058] Specifically, the control unit outputs control signals to the power supply unit 150 that attempt to control whether or not the power supply voltage is output, the magnitude of the power supply voltage, the direction of the power supply voltage, and the AC frequency of the power supply voltage. The power supply unit 150 may or may not output the power supply voltage in response to the control signals.

[0059] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to A-A' in Figure 1, and is a diagram illustrating an example of how the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention applies electrostatic attraction to a body surface.

[0060] Referring further to Figure 5, when the power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120, a first electric field can be generated between the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120.

[0061] As a result, a first polarization charge can be induced by the first electric field inside the electroactive gel 130 and on the gel surface.

[0062] Specifically, when the power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120, and the voltage polarity of the first electrode section 110 becomes positive (+), that is, the first electrode section 110 becomes the positive electrode, and the voltage polarity of the second electrode section 120 becomes negative (-), that is, the second electrode section 120 becomes the negative electrode, the first electric field causes negative charges of the first polarization charge to accumulate on the first gel surface region that is closer to the first electrode section 110 than to the second electrode section 120, and positive charges of the first polarization charge to accumulate on the second gel surface region that is closer to the second electrode section 120 than to the first electrode section 110.

[0063] Here, the power supply voltage that causes the first electrode section 110 to become the positive electrode and the second electrode section 120 to become the negative electrode is defined as the first power supply voltage. Also, the power supply voltage that causes the first electrode section 110 to become the negative electrode and the second electrode section 120 to become the positive electrode is defined as the second power supply voltage.

[0064] Subsequently, the first polarization charge induced on the gel surface generates a second electric field outside the gel surface, and a second polarization charge can be induced on the user's body surface, either away from the gel surface or in contact with the gel surface, due to the second electric field.

[0065] In this case, the actuator device 100 can apply an electrical attractive force F1 due to the second electric field to the body surface.

[0066] Specifically, the second electric field allows the negative charge of the second polarization charge to accumulate in the first body surface region that is closer to the positive charge of the first polarization charge than the negative charge of the first polarization charge on the body surface, and the positive charge of the second polarization charge to accumulate in the second body surface region that is closer to the negative charge of the first polarization charge than the positive charge of the first polarization charge on the body surface.

[0067] This allows an electrostatic attraction force F1 to be applied to the body surface due to the interaction between the second electric field and the second polarization charge.

[0068] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to A-A' in Figure 1, and is a drawing illustrating another example of how the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention applies electrostatic attraction to a body surface.

[0069] Referring further to Figure 6, when the power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120, and the second power supply voltage is applied, a first electric field can be generated between the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120 in the opposite direction to when the first power supply voltage is applied.

[0070] In this case as well, the first polarization charge can be induced by the first electric field inside the electroactive gel 130 and on the gel surface.

[0071] Specifically, when the power supply voltage is applied to the first electrode section 110 and the second electrode section 120, and the voltage polarity of the first electrode section 110 becomes negative (-), that is, the first electrode section 110 becomes the negative electrode, and the voltage polarity of the second electrode section 120 becomes positive (+), that is, the second electrode section 120 becomes the positive electrode, the first electric field causes positive charges of the first polarization charge to accumulate on the first gel surface region of the gel surface that is closer to the first electrode section 110 than to the second electrode section 120, and negative charges of the first polarization charge to accumulate on the second gel surface region of the gel surface that is closer to the second electrode section 120 than to the first electrode section 110.

[0072] Subsequently, when the first power supply voltage is applied to the outside of the gel surface due to the first polarization charge induced on the gel surface, a second electric field is generated in the opposite direction, and a second polarization charge can be induced by the second electric field on the user's body surface that is separated from the gel surface or in contact with the gel surface.

[0073] In this case as well, the actuator device 100 can apply an electrical attractive force F1 due to the second electric field to the body surface.

[0074] Specifically, the second electric field allows the negative charge of the second polarization charge to accumulate in the first body surface region that is closer to the positive charge of the first polarization charge than the negative charge of the first polarization charge on the body surface, and the positive charge of the second polarization charge to accumulate in the second body surface region that is closer to the negative charge of the first polarization charge than the positive charge of the first polarization charge on the body surface.

[0075] This allows an electrostatic attraction force F1 to be applied to the body surface due to the interaction between the second electric field and the second polarization charge.

[0076] We define the sensation a user experiences due to this electrostatic attraction F1 as the primary tactile sensation.

[0077] On the other hand, when the actuator device 100 repeatedly applies and removes the first power supply voltage from the power supply unit 150, or repeatedly applies and removes the second power supply voltage, the electrostatic attraction force F1 is repeatedly applied and removed from the body surface, causing the body surface to vibrate and providing the user with a first tactile sensation.

[0078] In contrast, even when the power supply voltage, which is an AC voltage changed between the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage from the power supply unit 150, is applied to the body surface, the electrostatic attraction force F1 is repeatedly applied and not applied, causing the body surface to vibrate and providing the user with a first tactile sensation.

[0079] As a result, the actuator device 100 can provide the user with a first tactile sensation even in a non-contact mode where the body surface is separated from the gel surface of the electroactive gel 130, and can also provide the user with a first tactile sensation even in a contact mode where the body surface is in contact with the gel surface of the electroactive gel 130.

[0080] In this case, only when the body surface and the gel surface of the electroactive gel 130 are separated by a predetermined distance in non-contact mode can an electrostatic attraction be applied to the body surface, thereby providing the user with a first tactile sensation.

[0081] In other words, the non-contact mode may be a state in which the body surface and the gel surface of the electroactive gel 130 are separated, and the body surface and the gel surface of the electroactive gel 130 are separated by a predetermined distance.

[0082] On the other hand, referring again to Figure 4, if the power supply voltage is not applied between the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120, which are positioned in contact with the electroactive gel 130, the plasticizer molecules located inside the electroactive gel 130 will move irregularly, and the shape of the flexible electroactive gel 130 may not be deformed.

[0083] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to A-A' in Figure 1, and shows the state in which the electroactive gel of the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention is deformed into a first deformed state.

[0084] Referring to Figure 7, when a power supply voltage is applied between the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120, which are positioned in contact with the electroactive gel 130, plasticizer molecules begin to move, and the movement of plasticizer molecules can also cause molecules in the polymer chain to move.

[0085] As a result, the electroactive gel 130 can be deformed by the movement of plasticizer molecules and polymer chain molecules.

[0086] Specifically, when the first power supply voltage is applied between the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120, the plasticizer and polymer chain move toward the first electrode portion 110, which is the positive electrode, and the electroactive gel 130 can be deformed into a first deformed state.

[0087] More specifically, when the electroactive gel 130 is deformed into a first deformed state, the first region of the electroactive gel 130 adjacent to the first electrode portion 110, which is the positive electrode, expands, and the second region adjacent to the second electrode portion 120, which is the negative electrode, contracts.

[0088] In other words, when the electroactive gel 130 is deformed into a first deformed state, the thickness of the first region adjacent to the first electrode portion 110, which is the positive electrode, increases, and the thickness of the second region adjacent to the second electrode portion 120, which is the negative electrode, decreases.

[0089] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to A-A' in Figure 1, and shows the state in which the electroactive gel of the transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to one embodiment of the present invention is deformed into a first deformation state.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8, when a power supply voltage is applied between the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120, which are positioned in contact with the electroactive gel 130, plasticizer molecules begin to move, and the movement of plasticizer molecules can also cause molecules in the polymer chain to move.

[0091] When the second power supply voltage is applied between the first electrode portion 110 and the second electrode portion 120, the plasticizer and polymer chain move toward the second electrode portion 120, which is the positive electrode, and the electroactive gel 130 can be deformed into a second deformed state.

[0092] More specifically, when the electroactive gel 130 is deformed into a second deformed state, the second region of the electroactive gel 130 adjacent to the second electrode portion 120, which is the positive electrode, expands, and the first region adjacent to the first electrode portion 110, which is the negative electrode, contracts.

[0093] In other words, when the electroactive gel 130 is deformed into a first deformed state, the thickness of the second region adjacent to the positive electrode portion 120 increases, and the thickness of the first region adjacent to the negative electrode portion 110 decreases.

[0094] On the other hand, when the application and non-application of the first power supply voltage from the power supply unit 150 is repeated, or when the application and non-application of the second power supply voltage are repeated, vibrations are generated on the body surface due to the repeated deformation of the electroactive gel 130, thereby providing the user with a second tactile sensation.

[0095] For example, when the application and deapplication of the first power supply voltage from the power supply unit 150 is repeated, and the body surface comes into contact with the first region of the electrode-activated gel 130 adjacent to the first electrode unit 110, the protrusion of the first region toward the body surface is repeated, causing the body surface to vibrate, thereby providing the user with a second tactile sensation.

[0096] To give another example, when the power supply unit 150 repeatedly applies and then removes the voltage from the second power supply unit, and the body surface comes into contact with the second region of the electrode-activated gel 130 that is close to the second electrode unit 120, the second region repeatedly protrudes toward the body surface, causing the body surface to vibrate, thereby providing the user with a second tactile sensation.

[0097] On the other hand, when a power supply voltage, which is an AC voltage changed between the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage, is applied from the power supply unit 150, and the body surface comes into contact with the gel surface of the electrode-activated gel 130, the body surface vibrates due to the repeated deformation of the electrode-activated gel 130, thereby providing the user with a second tactile sensation.

[0098] As a result, the actuator device 100 can provide the user with not only the second tactile sensation described above, but also the first tactile sensation described above, in a contact mode in which the body surface is in contact with the gel surface of the electroactive gel 130.

[0099] As a result, the user is provided with a first tactile sensation in non-contact mode, a second tactile sensation when switched to contact mode, and both the first and second tactile sensations in contact mode, and when switched back to non-contact mode, the first tactile sensation is continuously provided, thus eliminating any sense of difference between non-contact and contact modes.

[0100] On the other hand, the actuator device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (not shown).

[0101] When the power supply voltage is an AC voltage, the control unit can check the reference voltage range that includes the current power supply voltage using reference data in which the minimum frequency is mapped for each of several reference voltage ranges.

[0102] Subsequently, the control unit can check the minimum frequency mapped to the confirmed reference voltage magnitude range and control the power supply unit 150 to change the power supply voltage so that the power supply frequency representing the power supply voltage frequency exceeds the confirmed minimum frequency.

[0103] Here, if the power supply frequency of the current power supply unit exceeds the minimum frequency mapped to the reference voltage magnitude range that includes the voltage magnitude of the current power supply unit voltage, the user can perceive the first tactile sensation (vibration of the body surface due to electrostatic attraction) in non-contact mode.

[0104] This allows for the measurement of the minimum frequency, which is the lowest power supply frequency at which a user can perceive the first touch in non-contact mode, for each reference voltage magnitude range through experiments, and the construction of reference data.

[0105] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the present invention, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 100 ···Transparent Flexible Seamless Hapto-Spectrum Actuator Device 110...1st electrode part 120...Second electrode part 130 ···Electroactive gel 140 ···Support plate 150...Power supply section

Claims

1. A transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device, A first electrode portion having voltage polarity determined by the power supply voltage applied from the power supply unit; A second electrode portion is positioned at a distance from the first electrode portion and has a different voltage polarity from the first electrode portion depending on the power supply voltage applied from the power supply portion; and An electroactive gel disposed in contact with the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion; Features including, Transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device.

2. The electroactive gel is A first polarization charge is induced on the gel surface by the first electric field generated by applying the power supply voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. The transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device is, The invention is characterized in that a second electric field is generated from the induced first polarization charge, thereby applying an electrostatic attraction to the user's body surface that is separated from the gel surface or in contact with the gel surface. The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to claim 1.

3. The electroactive gel is When the power supply voltage is an AC voltage, the induction direction of the first polarization charge induced on the gel surface is periodically changed. The transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device is, The invention is characterized by providing a first tactile sensation, which is a vibration of the body surface due to the electrostatic attraction that is periodically changed by periodically changing the induction direction of the first polarization charge. The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to claim 2.

4. The electroactive gel is Containing plasticizers and polymer chains, The electroactive gel is The present invention is characterized in that, by the first electric field generated by the application of the power supply voltage to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, the plasticizer and the polymer chain move toward the first electrode portion, causing their shape to deform into a first deformed state, or the plasticizer and the polymer chain move toward the second electrode portion, causing their shape to deform into a second deformed state. The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to claim 1.

5. The electroactive gel is When the power supply voltage is an AC voltage, the shape is periodically deformed into either the first deformation state or the second deformation state. The transparent, flexible, seamless hapto-spectral actuator device is, The present invention provides a second tactile sensation, which is a vibration of the user's body surface in contact with the gel surface of the electroactive gel, due to the periodic deformation of the shape of the electroactive gel. The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first electrode portion is, A first main electrode formed in the shape of a rod; and A plurality of first sub-electrodes formed in a rod shape, at a predetermined angle with the first main electrode, and protruding from the first main electrode toward the second main electrode described below; Equipped with, The second electrode portion is, A second main electrode formed in a rod shape, spaced apart from the first main electrode and arranged parallel to the first main electrode; and A plurality of second sub-electrodes formed in a rod shape, at a predetermined angle with the second main electrode, and protruding from the second main electrode toward the first main electrode; Equipped with, The plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of second sub-electrodes are, The invention is characterized in that the second sub-electrode is arranged adjacent to the first sub-electrode. The transparent, flexible, seamless haptospectral actuator device according to claim 1.

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