Piezo-electric Polymer Ceramic Haptic Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic feedback technologies, such as piezo-electric polymers and ceramics, are limited in their ability to accurately convey subtle and complex tactile sensations due to their specific actuation properties, which restricts their application in immersive environments like VR/AR and soft robotics, where delicate force modulation and feedback are required.
Innovation Solution
Combining piezo-electric polymers and ceramics into a single device, allowing for actuation within a wide output frequency band and independent tunability, which enhances the range of haptic experiences and force modulation, suitable for wearable and soft robotics applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If piezo-electric polymers are used for haptic feedback, then actuation within a wide frequency band is achieved, but actuation output force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different piezo-electric actuators (polymers and ceramics) into a single integrated device. The polymer actuator provides wide frequency band actuation while the ceramic actuator provides strong output force, resolving the contradiction between frequency range and force output by merging complementary technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures where piezo-electric polymer layers and piezo-electric ceramic layers are integrated together. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously exhibit the frequency responsiveness of polymers and the force-generating capability of ceramics.
2Force
If piezo-electric ceramics are used for haptic feedback, then actuation output force is strong, but ability to convey subtle tactile sensations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates piezo-electric polymer actuators with piezo-electric ceramic actuators in a single device. The polymer component provides subtle, precise tactile sensations while the ceramic component delivers strong force output, thereby resolving the contradiction between force strength and tactile precision through functional merging.
3Device complexity
If a single haptic actuator is used, then device complexity is low, but haptic feedback accuracy for complex tactile sensations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple piezo-electric actuators (both polymer and ceramic types) into a single integrated haptic device. This consolidation achieves complex tactile feedback capabilities without requiring multiple separate actuators, thus maintaining relatively low device complexity while significantly improving haptic feedback accuracy.
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 combined haptic actuators provide a spectrum of feedback, enabling more sensitive and reactive grasping methods, and closely replicating human touch experiences across various platforms, including VR/AR, soft robotics, and other user interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first haptic actuator (202) in a stack (212) of piezo-electric actuators
Implementation Method 2
a second haptic actuator (208) in a stack (212) of piezo-electric actuators, wherein the second haptic actuator (208) comprises a more rigid material than the first haptic actuator (202)
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device comprises a haptic feedback system. The haptic feedback system includes a first haptic actuator coupled to a controller via a first set of two or more electrodes, and a second haptic actuator coupled to the first haptic actuator, and further coupled to the controller via a second set of two or more electrodes. The controller is configured to provide a first drive signal to the first haptic actuator via the first set of two or more electrodes, and to provide a second drive signal, different from the first drive signal, to the second haptic actuator via the second set of two or more electrodes. Combining two haptic actuators allows for a broader range of feedback and a heightened user experience.