Vibrotactile Component Structure for Thin Conformable Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic devices in VR and AR are bulky, uncomfortable, and limited in function, with actuators that reduce realism due to size and frequency limitations, and require high voltage for significant vibration feedback, while hydraulic deformation devices are inflexible and cannot conform to curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device comprising a flexible substrate with integrated deformation, vibrotactile, and electrostatic friction components, utilizing a piezoelectric layer and dielectric fluid to provide vibration and tactile feedback, allowing for thin, conformable, and diverse haptic sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid actuators are used for vibration feedback, then structural strength is maintained, but device size increases and frequency response is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible piezoelectric layers and thin-film structures to create vibration actuators that are both mechanically robust and miniaturized. The flexible substrate supports thin piezoelectric films that can generate sufficient vibration force while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wearable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes composite structures combining flexible substrates, piezoelectric materials, and thin protective layers. This composite approach provides the necessary mechanical strength through material composition rather than bulk thickness, enabling small size while maintaining structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If flexible vibration elements are used, then device thinness is achieved, but high voltage is required for significant vibration feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite piezoelectric structures with optimized material compositions that achieve high coupling coefficients. This allows flexible thin-film actuators to generate significant vibration output at reduced voltage levels compared to conventional flexible vibration elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes piezoelectric material parameters including crystal orientation, film thickness, and composition ratios to maximize electro-mechanical coupling efficiency. These parameter optimizations enable the flexible actuator to achieve desired vibration amplitude at lower operating voltages.
3Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic deformation components are used, then deformation control is achieved, but device flexibility is reduced and conformability to curved surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid hydraulic reservoirs with flexible thin-film piezoelectric actuators that can conform to curved surfaces. The flexible substrate and thin-film construction allow the device to adapt to finger curvature while maintaining precise deformation control through electrical actuation of the piezoelectric layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical hydraulic system with an electro-active piezoelectric system. This replacement eliminates the need for rigid fluid reservoirs and mechanical linkages, enabling flexible, conformable device design while maintaining precise deformation control through electrical signals.
4Power
If current haptic actuators are used, then vibration feedback is provided, but feedback response time is slow affecting user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators with piezoelectric actuators that respond instantaneously to electrical signals. The direct electro-mechanical coupling in piezoelectric materials eliminates mechanical inertia and compliance delays, achieving sub-millisecond response times for haptic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes piezoelectric material selection and actuator design parameters to minimize response time. Fast-response piezoelectric materials with high bandwidth characteristics are employed, along with optimized electrode configurations and driving circuitry to achieve rapid actuation for responsive haptic feedback.
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 device offers lightweight, comfortable, and functional haptic feedback with realistic tactile sensations, including vibration, force feedback, and surface texture perception, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric layer, a support layer, a vibration layer... The piezoelectric layer may be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic friction component... disposed between the second electrode and the electrostatic friction component
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrotactile component includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a piezoelectric layer, a support layer, a vibration layer, and a counterweight. The piezoelectric layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The support layer is disposed on the first electrode. A gap is positioned between two opposite portions of the support layer. The vibration layer is disposed on the support layer and is spaced from the first electrode by the support layer and the gap. The counterweight is disposed on the vibration layer. The vibration layer is disposed between the air gap and the counterweight.