Multi-Tiered Haptic System Resolving Force Resolution Trade-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic systems face challenges in providing a balance between displacement, force, and resolution, with larger elements achieving greater displacements and forces but sacrificing resolution, while smaller elements offer finer resolution at the cost of displacement and force.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-tiered haptic systems with arrays of shape change elements, including piezoelectric, electromechanical, and electroactive polymer elements, that can be actuated and sensed to provide a wide range of tactile feedback, allowing for both large displacements and fine resolution through variable actuation and sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large haptic elements are used, then displacement and force are improved, but resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic system divides the output mechanism into multiple independent haptic elements arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled to provide localized haptic feedback, enabling fine resolution through selective activation while maintaining overall system force capability through combined operation of multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-element haptic output to a two-dimensional array of haptic elements. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous achievement of high resolution (through individual element control) and high force (through parallel operation of multiple elements), effectively resolving the trade-off in a new design space.
2Measurement precision
If small haptic elements are used, then resolution is improved, but displacement and force deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the haptic output into multiple small elements, the system achieves fine resolution through precise control of individual elements while compensating for reduced individual force through parallel activation of multiple elements, maintaining overall haptic force output.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small haptic elements are combined in an array configuration where their individual outputs are summed to achieve total force levels comparable to or exceeding single large elements, while preserving the resolution benefits of small element size through independent control.
3Measurement precision
If small haptic elements are used, then resolution is improved, but displacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an array of small haptic elements where individual elements provide fine resolution through precise positional control, while the collective displacement of multiple elements across the array achieves overall displacement levels sufficient for effective haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging haptic elements in a two-dimensional array, the system achieves displacement in multiple directions simultaneously. Individual elements provide fine resolution displacement while the coordinated movement of multiple elements across the array achieves cumulative displacement effects that compensate for the small size of individual elements.
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
This approach enables haptic systems to provide a balanced tactile experience with varied responses over large spatial and temporal ranges, enabling diverse tactile interactions and improved user engagement in applications like touchscreen technology and gaming.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric, electromechanical, and electroactive polymer elements
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric, electromechanical, and electroactive polymer elements
Implementation Method 3
piezoelectric, electromechanical, and electroactive polymer elements
Data Source
AI summary
Haptic systems are disclosed which may provide increased resolution in tactile feedback. A tiered haptic system may be formed by stacking of haptic elements. One or more arrays of shape change elements such as, for example, piezoelectric elements may be used to actuate a screen surface. Arrays may also be used to sense tactile interactions and stimuli on a screen surface. An embedded haptic system may be formed by inserting haptic elements into a contoured elastic sheet. The embedded haptic system may provide tactile interactions to a user. In some embodiments, both tiered and embedded haptic arrangements may be used.