Projected Field Haptic Actuation Using Electroactive Polymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices providing haptic feedback, such as mobile phones and PDAs, often rely on large, power-consuming, and expensive actuating mechanisms like electromagnetic actuators, which are inefficient in size and cost.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a touch surface connected to an actuator arm and an actuator array using electrically-deformable materials like EAP, driven by drive electronics to provide haptic feedback, reducing device thickness and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic actuators are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback function is achieved, but device size and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic actuators with a capacitive touch surface system that uses electrical fields directly to detect and respond to user input. The touch surface itself acts as both sensor and actuator, eliminating the need for separate electromagnetic actuation mechanisms and significantly reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch surface serves multiple functions: it acts as the display interface, the sensing element for detecting user input, and the actuating element for providing haptic feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electromagnetic actuators are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback function is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky electromagnetic actuators with a thin capacitive touch surface system. The haptic feedback is generated through electrical field interactions with the user's finger, eliminating the need for large mechanical actuation components and reducing device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch surface is implemented as a thin capacitive structure that can provide haptic feedback without requiring thick mechanical components. The thin film structure allows for compact device design while maintaining the haptic feedback function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional actuating mechanisms are used, then haptic feedback is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The touch surface performs multiple functions including display, sensing, and actuation, eliminating the need for separate expensive haptic actuator components. This integration reduces the bill of materials and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the sensing and actuation functions into a single capacitive touch surface structure. By combining these functions that were previously performed by separate components, the system reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, leading to lower production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient and cost-effective haptic feedback by moving the touch surface in response to user input, simulating button presses and other interactions, enhancing user experience while minimizing device size and power usage.

Implementation Method 1

The touch surface is operably connected to an actuator arm which, in turn, is connected to an actuator array. Drive electronics sense a user's movement relative to the touch surface and, responsively, drive the actuator array effective to move the actuator arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive Polymer (EAP): Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS8310444B2Projected field haptic actuation

Publication Date: 2012.11.13 SYNAPTICS INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a touch surface that can be physically engaged by a user. The touch surface is operably connected to an actuator arm which, in turn, is connected to an actuator array. Drive electronics sense a user's movement relative to the touch surface and, responsively, drive the actuator array effective to move the actuator arm and, in turn, provide haptic feedback to the user through the touch surface.