Transparent Piezoelectric Touch Sensor and Haptic Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback devices face challenges with scalability, fragility, and integration difficulties due to bulky actuators and high voltage requirements, limiting their application in consumer products.
Innovation Solution
A transparent composite piezoelectric combined touch sensor and haptic actuator is developed, featuring a substrate with a sensor piezoelectric layer that generates signals upon deformation and an actuator layer providing haptic effects, allowing for flexible and compact integration in user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional haptic actuators (LRA, ERM) are used, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the devices become bulky and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensor and haptic actuator into a single integrated piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric material serves dual functions: sensing touch input through deformation and generating haptic feedback through controlled actuation, eliminating the need for separate bulky actuators and enabling compact device design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional electromagnetic actuators to piezoelectric actuators, changing the fundamental operating parameter from electromagnetic fields to piezoelectric deformation. This parameter change enables much smaller actuator sizes while maintaining haptic feedback capability, as piezoelectric materials can generate significant force at microscopic scales
2Strength
If EAP-based actuators are used, then haptic effects can be provided, but thousands of volts of electricity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from thousands of volts (EAP) to standard low-voltage electrical signals (typically 0-5V). The piezoelectric material responds to small voltage changes by undergoing mechanical deformation, enabling haptic feedback with conventional electronics without requiring high-voltage power supplies
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard piezoelectric ceramics or polymers that operate with low-voltage electronics, replacing the need for complex high-voltage power supply systems. This makes the haptic device more practical for consumer electronics where cost and power consumption are critical factors
3Productivity
If monolithic piezoelectric ceramics are used, then scalability and fast dynamics are achieved, but the ceramics are fragile and difficult to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite piezoelectric structures combining ceramic particles or fibers with a flexible polymer matrix. This composite approach retains the fast response and scalability of piezoelectric ceramics while the polymer matrix provides mechanical flexibility and fracture toughness, preventing catastrophic failure under stress or impact
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin-film piezoelectric layers deposited on flexible substrates or embedded in flexible polymers. This thin-film configuration maintains the fast dynamic response of piezoelectric materials while the flexible substrate provides mechanical robustness and enables integration into curved or flexible device surfaces, eliminating the brittleness problem of bulk ceramics
4Ease of operation
If separate touch sensors and haptic actuators are used, then touch sensing and haptic feedback can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor and haptic actuator into a single piezoelectric element that performs both functions. The same piezoelectric material that deforms to create haptic feedback also generates electrical signals when deformed by touch, eliminating the need for separate sensor and actuator components and simplifying device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuator for haptic feedback and the sensor for touch detection. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count, simplifies integration, and lowers manufacturing complexity while maintaining full touch sensing and haptic feedback capability
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 solution enables rich haptic feedback with improved mechanical strength, scalability, and simplified integration, providing a thinner, more compact haptic experience suitable for various applications, including touch screens, while eliminating the need for external voltage for sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor piezoelectric layer configured to generate a first signal when the sensor piezoelectric layer is deformed
Implementation Method 2
an actuator piezoelectric layer configured to provide a haptic effect upon receipt of a second signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
There is provided a haptic device comprising a substrate and a substantially transparent composite piezoelectric cell overlaying the substrate. The piezoelectric cell comprises a sensor piezoelectric layer configured to generate a first signal when the sensor piezoelectric layer is deformed and an actuator piezoelectric layer configured to provide a haptic effect upon receipt of a second signal that is based on the first signal. The substantially transparent composite piezoelectric cell is configured to measure a deformation of a surface of the cell and to provide a haptic feedback effect as a result of the deformation.