Flexible Haptic Actuators with Preformed Substrates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic devices are often rigid and inflexible, limiting their ability to provide varied and dynamic tactile sensations, and typically induce a constant sensation regardless of voltage application.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible haptic actuators with active layers, such as electroactive polymers or pneumatic layers, combined with passive layers like patterned substrates or electrodes, allowing for various geometries and configurations such as preformed geometries, bistable structures, and arrays of active materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid haptic devices are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and ability to provide varied tactile sensations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible substrates and thin film structures to create haptic devices that can conform to curved surfaces and provide varied tactile sensations. The flexible nature of these films allows the device to adapt to different geometries while maintaining functional integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamically reconfigurable elements that can change their mechanical properties in response to applied voltages. This dynamic capability allows the haptic device to transition between rigid and flexible states, enabling both structural stability and varied tactile feedback as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If constant voltage is applied, then device simplicity is maintained, but haptic signal variability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic voltage applications to generate varied haptic signals. By applying voltages in specific temporal patterns rather than continuously, the device can produce different haptic effects (such as vibration frequencies and tactile sensations) without requiring complex control mechanisms, thus achieving signal variety with relatively simple control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves haptic signal variability by changing physical parameters such as voltage magnitude, frequency, and duration. These parameter modifications allow a single haptic device to produce multiple distinct tactile sensations without adding structural complexity, resolving the contradiction between signal variety and device simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible materials are used, then adaptability to body contours is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-formed substrates with predetermined geometries that are designed to conform to specific body contours. By preparing these flexible substrates with pre-defined shapes and features before final assembly, the manufacturing process can achieve both conformability to body parts and adequate geometric accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
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
These flexible haptic actuators can induce a wide range of haptic signals with varying strengths, displacements, waveforms, and patterns, enhancing the ability to simulate complex tactile experiences.
Implementation Method 1
flexible haptic actuators with active layers, such as electroactive polymers
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic layers
Data Source
AI summary
Haptic actuators may include a first active material coupled to a first side of an inactive substrate and a second active material coupled to a second side of the inactive substrate. The inactive substrate may be formed to initially exhibit a nonplanar shape when the first active material and the second active material are not actuated. Various other methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.