Piezoelectric Actuator with Mechanical Amplifiers for Wearable Haptics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional haptic feedback mechanisms are often too large and cumbersome for wearable devices, lacking the necessary strength and force to provide discernible haptic feedback, making them unsuitable for immersive artificial reality experiences.

Innovation Solution

The development of compact touch-simulation apparatuses with opposing surfaces and an electric actuator assembly, including a piezoelectric actuator layer and mechanical amplifiers, which are integrated into wearable devices to provide meaningful haptic feedback through actuator-based touch simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional haptic feedback mechanisms are used, then haptic feedback strength is improved, but device size becomes too large for wearable devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback strengthVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms with an electric actuator assembly that uses piezoelectric actuators to generate haptic feedback. This substitution enables significantly reduced device size while maintaining or improving haptic feedback strength through direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion at the micro-scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using piezoelectric materials that convert electrical signals directly into mechanical deformation. This parameter change enables the generation of strong haptic feedback forces within an extremely compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between force output and device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If compact actuators are used to reduce device size, then device portability is improved, but haptic feedback strength becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidhaptic feedback strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite structures combining piezoelectric materials with mechanical amplification elements. This composite approach enables compact actuators to generate sufficient haptic feedback strength by leveraging the high strain output of piezoelectric materials and amplifying it through carefully designed mechanical leverage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the third dimension by stacking multiple piezoelectric actuator layers vertically. This dimensional approach allows compact actuators to achieve cumulative force output by combining the displacement contributions of multiple layers, thereby maintaining haptic feedback strength despite reduced overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If traditional haptic mechanisms are used, then haptic feedback quality is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback qualityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex traditional mechanical haptic mechanisms with a streamlined electric actuator assembly based on piezoelectric effects. This substitution simplifies the overall device architecture by eliminating bulky mechanical components while maintaining reliable haptic feedback quality through direct electrical control of the actuator elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric actuator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides haptic feedback, acts as a structural component, and enables precise control through electrical signals. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating what would traditionally require separate components into a single integrated element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

These compact touch-simulation apparatuses enhance the immersiveness of artificial reality experiences by delivering discernible and meaningful haptic feedback, suitable for a wide range of wearable devices without making them bulky, thereby improving user interaction and immersion.

Implementation Method 1

an electric actuator assembly, including a piezoelectric actuator layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a set of mechanical amplifiers coupled between opposing sides of the actuator layer and the set of opposing surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical amplification: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11194397B1Apparatus, system, and method for actuator-based touch simulation

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

The disclosed touch-simulation apparatus includes (1) a set of opposing surfaces and (2) an electric actuator assembly coupled between the set of opposing surfaces, wherein (A) the electric actuator assembly includes an actuator layer and (B) a set of mechanical amplifiers coupled between opposing sides of the actuator layer and the set of opposing surfaces. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.