Electrostatic Actuator With Elastic Nodules For Flexible Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for electrically induced mechanical movement in devices, such as Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM) vibration motors, linear resonant actuators (LRA), and piezoelectric actuators, face issues with high power consumption, low durability, complex design, and poor scalability, especially on flexible surfaces, limiting their suitability for large area actuation.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic actuator comprising a first and second conductive substrate with a compression space filled with elastic nodules, which compresses in response to a voltage difference, allowing for flexible and scalable mechanical movement while minimizing solid material usage, and featuring multiple electrostatic actuation layers for enhanced compression and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ERM vibration motor or LRA is used for electrically induced mechanical movement, then tactile feedback can be provided, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration systems (ERM motors, LRA) with an electrostatic actuation system that uses electric fields to directly deform a flexible substrate. This substitution eliminates the need for rotating masses or magnetic fields, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining tactile feedback capability through controlled surface deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a flexible substrate that can be deformed by electrostatic forces to generate tactile feedback. This flexible film approach allows for low-power actuation compared to rigid mechanical systems, as the electrostatic field directly induces mechanical deformation in the flexible material without requiring high-power motors.
2Ease of operation
If traditional actuators (ERM, LRA, piezoelectric) are used, then mechanical movement can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to external motors and masses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation mechanism directly into the display structure by integrating electrostatic actuation layers with the flexible substrate. This eliminates the need for separate external motors, masses, or complex mechanical assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining mechanical movement capability for tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural base of the display and the actuating element for tactile feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated actuation components, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining mechanical movement capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional actuators are used for electrically induced mechanical movement, then vibration can be produced, but scalability to large areas and flexible surfaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible substrate that can be scaled to large areas and conform to various surface geometries. This flexible film structure inherently supports scalability and adaptability to different form factors, unlike rigid conventional actuators that are difficult to scale or adapt to flexible surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic actuation system can be divided into multiple independent actuation zones or layers that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows for scalable implementation across large areas while maintaining control over specific regions, enabling both vibration production and adaptability to different surface configurations.
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
The electrostatic actuator provides efficient, durable, and scalable electrically induced mechanical movement with reduced power consumption, suitable for flexible surfaces and large area actuation, enhancing tactile feedback capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the compression space being configured to be compressed by relative movement of the first and second conductive surfaces toward each other in response to a voltage difference between the first and second conductive surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elastic nodules spanning the compression space and separating the first and second conductive surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator is configured to include a first substrate that has a first conductive surface, which may be or include a first conductive electrode layer. The actuator also includes a second substrate that has a second conductive surface, which may be or include a second conductive electrode layer. The first and second conductive surfaces face toward each other across a compression space between the first and second substrates. A group of elastic support nodules span the compression space and separate the first and second conductive surfaces. The compression space is less than fully filled with solid elastic material and is configured to be compressed by relative movement of the first and second conductive surfaces toward each other in response to a voltage difference between the first and second conductive surfaces.