Flexible Haptic System Using Pressure Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic systems fail to provide localized, high-resolution haptic effects on non-rigid and flexible surfaces, such as textiles and soft surfaces, due to limitations in configurability, resolution, and portability, with existing technologies like vibromotors, piezoelectric actuators, and electroactive polymers requiring rigid housings and high voltages, and lacking in localized effect translation.
Innovation Solution
A haptic system comprising a transducer and a flexible transmission medium, such as a sealed capsule filled with non-rigid matter, that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion or pressure waves, allowing for localized haptic effects on contact surfaces, including textiles and soft surfaces, using infrasound and near-infrasound waves to provide precise and varied haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibromotors are used for haptic actuation, then the device can provide vibration feedback, but the vibration cannot be localized to a specific spot and the resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic actuation function into multiple independent piezoelectric elements arranged in an array. Each element can be individually controlled to generate haptic effects at specific locations, enabling both high resolution and precise localization. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitation of single-point vibration sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different regions of the contact surface to have different haptic characteristics. Each piezoelectric element can be independently actuated to create localized vibration patterns, allowing the system to provide high-resolution, location-specific haptic feedback across the contact surface rather than uniform vibration.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric actuators are used for haptic actuation, then higher resolution haptic effects can be produced, but the materials are too brittle to be placed in soft or flexible surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges piezoelectric actuators with flexible substrates to create a hybrid structure. The piezoelectric elements are integrated into or coupled with flexible materials, allowing the combination of high-resolution actuation capabilities with the adaptability needed for soft and flexible surfaces. This merging enables the system to maintain brittleness-resistant properties while achieving precise haptic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures that combine piezoelectric materials with flexible substrates or encapsulating materials. This composite approach allows the brittle piezoelectric elements to be protected and integrated into flexible surfaces, enabling high-resolution haptic actuation on soft materials without compromising the flexibility or causing structural failure.
3Speed
If ceramic piezoelectric actuators are used, then faster response time and higher resolution are achieved, but more complex driver systems are required due to high voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex high-voltage driver electronics with simpler driving circuits by optimizing the piezoelectric element design and configuration. The segmented array structure and flexible integration enable the use of lower voltage operation while maintaining fast response times, thereby reducing the complexity of the required driver systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional haptic systems are used on rigid housings, then vibration can be transmitted, but the systems cannot be integrated into textiles, soft surfaces, and flexible surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible substrates and thin film structures to replace traditional rigid housings. The piezoelectric actuators are mounted on or integrated with flexible materials that can conform to soft surfaces and textiles while still providing the necessary structural support for vibration transmission. This approach enables haptic actuation on flexible and textile surfaces without compromising structural integrity.
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 system achieves high-resolution, configurable, and localized haptic effects on flexible surfaces, enabling integration into textiles and soft objects, like blankets, and providing therapeutic benefits while maintaining the softness and flexibility of the surface, unlike conventional systems that dissipate energy throughout the device.
Implementation Method 1
Ceramic piezoelectric actuators will either vibrate or change shape when a voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
The transducer outputs mechanical motion, inaudible or barely audible infrasound or near infrasound waves, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
The pressure waves can originate from the action of the transducer and can be transmitted through the transmission medium to the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for producing haptic actuation are disclosed. An exemplary haptic system comprises a transducer and a transmission medium. The transducer induces pressure waves within the transmission medium, which is a sealed capsule with a flexible geometry. A surface of the sealed capsule thus produces haptic effects on a contact surface.