Soft Haptic Actuator With Patterned Electrodes for Local Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape-variable input/output devices face limitations in miniaturization due to the use of linear actuator arrays for local shape control.
Innovation Solution
A soft haptic device utilizing an electroactive polymer film, patterned electrode, and dielectric liquid to generate reconfigurable shapes through hydraulic pressure and electrostatic forces, enabling local control and dynamic shape changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If linear actuator arrays are used for local shape control, then shape control capability is achieved, but device miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linear actuators with a soft actuator system based on electroactive polymer films and dielectric liquids. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuator arrays while achieving comparable or superior shape control functionality, thereby enabling device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dielectric liquid flow and hydraulic pressure within the soft actuator to achieve shape changes. The dielectric liquid is pumped into specific regions, generating hydraulic pressure that causes the electroactive polymer film to expand and form three-dimensional shapes, providing a compact alternative to mechanical actuators.
2Volume of moving object
If soft actuator uses dielectric liquid flow for shape change, then miniaturization is enabled, but control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local control by directing dielectric liquid flow to specific regions of the electroactive polymer film through controlled pumping. By locally injecting dielectric liquid into targeted areas, precise three-dimensional shapes can be formed at specific locations while maintaining overall device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls shape formation by adjusting parameters such as dielectric liquid pressure, flow rate, and pumping timing. By dynamically changing these parameters, precise control over the shape formation process is achieved, ensuring manufacturing precision despite the compact device size.
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
Enables miniaturization and dynamic shape reconfiguration with tactile feedback, allowing for various three-dimensional shapes and user input recognition, including touch and gesture detection with vibration feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric liquid generates a hydraulic pressure as the dielectric liquid flows to an area where no electrostatic attractive force acts between the electroactive polymer film and the patterned electrode and no resistance is applied to a flow of the dielectric liquid, and the electroactive polymer film is stretched due to the hydraulic pressure.
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic force acting between the patterned electrode and a soft electrode disposed on the electroactive polymer film
Implementation Method 3
a restoring force of the electroactive polymer film stretched due to the hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A soft haptic device and a local control method are disclosed. The soft haptic device includes a soft actuator. The soft actuator includes an electroactive polymer film, a patterned electrode, and a dielectric liquid injected between the electroactive polymer film and the patterned electrode. The soft actuator generates a reconfigurable shape such that a form of an output shape and a number of outputtable shapes are changed depending on the number of electrodes constituting the patterned electrode, a shape of the electrodes, and an arrangement of the electrodes.