Electrostatic Adhesive Haptic Output Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback systems in thin and flexible electronic devices, such as smartphones, face challenges due to the bulkiness and noise of electromagnetic motors, necessitating a non-motorized approach to control forces and provide effective haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic adhesive haptic output device featuring a substrate with an array of electrodes and a micro-patterned dielectric layer, which generates an electrostatic adhesive force when a voltage potential is applied, providing haptic effects like increased adhesion to a contact surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electromagnetic motors are used to provide haptic feedback in thin electronic devices, then haptic effects can be generated, but the device becomes bulky and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic motors with an electrostatic adhesive-based system. The haptic output device uses an array of electrodes that generate electrostatic forces to create haptic effects directly on the contact surface, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical motors while maintaining haptic feedback functionality in thin devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from electromagnetic force to electrostatic adhesive force. By applying voltage to the electrode array, the system generates controlled electrostatic forces that produce haptic effects without requiring the mechanical components of traditional motors, enabling thin-profile device design
2Ease of operation
If conventional electromagnetic motors are used to control forces in electronic devices, then movement control is achieved, but the device generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates noisy mechanical components by substituting electromagnetic motor operation with electrostatic field generation. The electrode array controls forces through voltage application, creating a silent operation mode while maintaining precise force control capability for haptic feedback
3Ease of manufacture
If a smooth dielectric surface is used in the haptic output device, then manufacturing is simpler, but adhesion to the contact surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating micro-patterns on specific regions of the dielectric surface. The micro-patterned texture is formed only on the outer surface of the dielectric layer that contacts the user, while the bulk dielectric layer remains simple for manufacturing. This localized texturing increases adhesion force at the contact interface without complicating the overall manufacturing process
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 the provision of haptic feedback without the need for conventional motors, enhancing user interface experience by providing tactile cues, such as increased friction or adhesion, for notifications and sensory immersion in thin and flexible electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to direct a voltage potential across the array of electrodes to generate an electrostatic adhesive force between the exposed outer surface and the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
The layer of dielectric material has an exposed outer surface comprising a micro-patterned texture configured to increase adhesion between the exposed outer surface and a contact surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A haptic output device includes a substrate, an array of electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a layer of dielectric material disposed on the array of electrodes. The layer of dielectric material has an exposed outer surface comprising a micro-patterned texture configured to increase adhesion between the exposed outer surface and a contact surface in contact with the exposed outer surface. The haptic output device includes a controller configured to direct a voltage potential across the array of electrodes to generate an electrostatic adhesive force between the exposed outer surface and the contact surface as a haptic effect.