Piezoelectric Actuator with Restricted Displacement for Wearable Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices lack efficient mechanisms to provide multi-directional tactile outputs that can effectively convey bio-signals or other biometric parameters to users, often resulting in inefficient energy use and limited granularity of tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an actuator that moves in both orthogonal directions, with a plurality of elongate members and a deformable substrate, where the actuator's movement in one direction is restricted, allowing displacement in the other direction to provide a tactile output, enhancing the tactile feedback while minimizing energy spread and vibrational cross-talk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piezoelectric actuator is used to provide tactile output, then the user can perceive vibrations through touch, but the energy efficiency is poor and vibrational cross-talk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuator into multiple independent piezoelectric elements (first and second piezoelectric elements) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific elements to provide targeted tactile feedback, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and minimizing vibrational cross-talk between adjacent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the actuator structure. The first and second piezoelectric elements are positioned at different locations and can be independently controlled to provide localized tactile feedback. This local quality control enables precise energy utilization and reduces cross-talk by activating only the necessary regions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing tactile output mechanisms are used in wearable devices, then basic vibration feedback is provided, but the granularity of tactile feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator into multiple independently controllable piezoelectric elements, enabling fine-grained tactile feedback patterns. By selectively activating different elements, the system can convey detailed biometric information with high granularity without requiring an overly complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional actuator structure where the same piezoelectric elements can provide different tactile patterns for various biometric signals. The first and second piezoelectric elements can be independently controlled to convey different types of information, making the device versatile while maintaining manageable complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator moves in multiple directions, then multi-directional tactile output is achieved, but energy spread increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuator into spatially separated piezoelectric elements that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the system to provide multi-directional tactile feedback by selectively engaging specific elements, thereby concentrating energy in targeted directions rather than allowing energy to spread across the entire actuator structure.
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 design enables efficient energy use and improved granularity of tactile outputs, allowing users to perceive bio-signals or other biometric parameters effectively, such as heart rate, through controlled movement and deformation, enhancing user interaction with wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
A disc-shaped piezo-electric actuator is mounted on the underside of the metal support disc. When the piezoelectric actuator is energized, the disc is caused to bow in an upward or downward direction.
Implementation Method 2
The structure comprises a thin metal support disc rigidly mounted at its perimeter within an annular retention plate. A disc-shaped piezo-electric actuator is mounted on the underside of the metal support disc.
Implementation Method 3
The piezo electric layer comprises an array of piezoelectric rods embedded in a polymer matrix. Applying electrical stimulation causes the rods to expand or contract longitudinally.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
An apparatus and wearable device comprising an apparatus wherein the wearable device comprises: an actuator arranged to move in a first direction and a second direction in response to an electrical input signal; at least one member, coupled to the actuator and arranged to extend towards the second direction; and wherein the actuator is arranged relative to the at least one member so that displacement of the at least one member caused by movement of the actuator in the first direction is restricted and displacement of the at least one member caused by movement of the actuator in the second direction provides a tactile output.