Sensor Integrated Haptic Device Using Ionic Elastomer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback devices using piezoelectric materials face challenges in providing adequate force and displacement, especially in the low frequency range, leading to increased costs and durability limitations, particularly when integrated with display panels.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-integrated haptic device utilizing an ionic elastomer layer between electrodes, which functions as both a sensor and actuator, providing vibration feedback and detecting external pressure through capacitance changes, allowing for a single-cell configuration and easy manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If piezoelectric materials are used as actuators, then high stiffness is achieved, but inadequate force and displacement are provided in low frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor and actuator functions into a single integrated device using ionic elastomer material, eliminating the need for separate piezoelectric actuator components. This merging allows the device to achieve both sensing and actuation capabilities while providing adequate force and displacement in low frequency range through the electrochemical polymer material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from piezoelectric ceramic to electrochemical polymer (ionic elastomer), which fundamentally alters the operational characteristics. This material parameter change enables the device to provide adequate force and displacement in low frequency range while maintaining the necessary stiffness through the polymer's mechanical properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor and actuator layers are configured, then various functions are implemented, but process cost increases and thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device that serves both as sensor and actuator using the ionic elastomer material. The same electrochemical polymer layer performs dual functions: sensing external pressure through capacitance changes and actuating to provide haptic feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor and actuator layers, reducing both process complexity and overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor layer and actuator layer into a single integrated structure. The ionic elastomer layer serves as both the sensing element and the actuating element, with electrodes configured to enable both sensing operations and actuation operations from the same material layer, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for sensing and actuation, then various sensor functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal haptic device that integrates touch sensing, pressure sensing, and haptic actuation functions into a single manufacturable unit. The ionic elastomer material with configured electrodes provides all these functions simultaneously, allowing mass production of cost-effective devices without requiring assembly of multiple separate components.
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 solution enables cost-effective and efficient haptic feedback with reduced thickness and complexity, suitable for various applications, including touch panels, by leveraging the ionic elastomer's high response speed and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
detecting external pressure through capacitance changes
Implementation Method 2
A sensor integrated haptic device utilizing an ionic elastomer layer between electrodes, which functions as both a sensor and actuator, providing vibration feedback
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A sensor integrated haptic device, a method for manufacturing the sensor integrated haptic device and an electronic device including the sensor integrated haptic device are provided. To elaborate, the sensor integrated haptic device includes a sensor and an actuator formed to be arranged on the same plane as the sensor, and each of the sensor and the actuator includes a lower electrode formed through a first process, an ionic elastomer layer formed on the lower electrode through a second process, and an upper electrode formed on the ionic elastomer layer through a third process.