Dielectric Elastomer Transducer Resonance Separation for Audio-Tactile Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transducer devices struggle to concurrently provide both tactile and acoustic feedback using dielectric electro-active elastomers, limiting their multimodal interaction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A transducer device comprising a dielectric electro-active membrane biased in plane directions with an actuation element, featuring distinct resonance frequencies for longitudinal and transverse oscillations, allowing simultaneous tactile and acoustic output through controlled actuation voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single dielectric electro-active membrane is used for both tactile and acoustic feedback, then device complexity is reduced, but it is difficult to independently control different vibration modes for distinct feedback types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration control into two distinct resonance modes: longitudinal oscillation for tactile feedback and transverse oscillation for acoustic feedback. By designing the actuation element with specific mass and coupling characteristics, each mode can be independently excited and controlled through frequency-selective actuation, allowing separate control of tactile and acoustic outputs from a single membrane structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control by applying actuation voltages at specific resonance frequencies to selectively activate different oscillation modes. The longitudinal mode resonates at a lower frequency for tactile feedback, while the transverse mode resonates at a higher frequency for acoustic feedback, enabling real-time switching and independent control of feedback types through frequency-domain separation.
2Force
If the actuation element mass is increased to enhance tactile feedback, then tactile output is improved, but the second resonance frequency of the membrane decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the actuation element mass as a design parameter to achieve the desired balance between tactile feedback strength and resonance frequency separation. By carefully selecting the mass value, the system ensures sufficient tactile output while maintaining adequate frequency separation between longitudinal and transverse modes for independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the actuation element mass at specific locations to maximize its effect on longitudinal oscillation for tactile feedback, while minimizing unwanted effects on transverse oscillation. This localized mass distribution helps maintain resonance frequency separation while enhancing tactile output.
3Productivity
If actuation voltage is applied to generate tactile vibration, then tactile feedback is produced, but acoustic feedback is simultaneously generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic actuation at specific resonance frequencies to selectively generate desired feedback types. By applying actuation voltages at the longitudinal resonance frequency, tactile feedback is generated; by applying at the transverse resonance frequency, acoustic feedback is generated. This frequency-selective periodic action allows independent control of feedback types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits mechanical vibration resonance to separate tactile and acoustic feedback generation. The longitudinal oscillation mode produces tactile vibration through direct mechanical coupling, while the transverse oscillation mode produces acoustic feedback through air coupling. By exciting only the appropriate mode through frequency-selective actuation, unwanted feedback types are minimized.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables concurrent tactile and acoustic feedback by selectively controlling vibration output based on oscillation modes, enhancing user interaction through multimodal sensory experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied onto the electrodes. The voltage generates an electrostatic attracting force between the electrodes which applies a pressure onto the sandwiched dielectric elastomer
Implementation Method 2
the membrane thins and is prolonged and/or relaxed tangentially to its own surface depending on the voltage applied
Implementation Method 3
when electrically excited a first resonance frequency is developed in a fundamental mode of a longitudinal oscillation of the actuation element and a second resonance frequency is developed in a fundamental mode of a transverse oscillation of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transducer device comprising:At least one dielectric electro-active membrane,an actuation element coupled with the at least one electro-active membrane so that the electro-active membrane is biased in at least one of its plane directions;wherein the actuation element is provided with a mass so that when electrically excited a first resonance frequency is developed in a fundamental mode of a longitudinal oscillation of the actuation element and a second resonance frequency is developed in a fundamental mode of a transverse oscillation of the membrane, wherein the second resonance frequency is at least six times higher than the first resonance frequency.