Parallel plate actuator
AssigneeImmersion Corporation
InventorsVahid Khoshkava, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
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Abstract
The present application relates generally to haptic actuators. For example, the application is directed to high performance parallel plate actuators, and more particularly an actuator that can be used to provide haptic feedback in a variety applications such as buttons, panels, track pads, touch panels, wearables, gaming devices and/or touch-sensitive surfaces.
Claims26
An actuator for providing haptic feedback to a user, comprising:
- a parallel plate structure comprising:
- i. a first plate comprising a first electrode;
- ii. a second plate comprising a polarizable structure having a permanent polarization;
- and
- iii. one or more spacers positioned between and separating the first plate and the second plate,
- wherein a first contact of the parallel plate structure by the user at a first force provides a haptic feedback from an electrostatic interaction;
- wherein a second contact by the user at a second force, which is greater than the first force, compresses the spacers and activates an additional haptic feedback to the user;
- and
- wherein the actuator is integrated into a wearable clothing.
An actuator for providing haptic feedback to a user, comprising:
- a parallel plate structure comprising:
- a) a first electrode;
- b) a polarizable structure having a permanent polarization;
- and
- c) one or more spacers positioned between and separating the first electrode and the polarizable structure having the permanent polarization,
- wherein a first contact of the actuator by the user at a first force provides a haptic feedback from an electrostatic interaction;
- wherein a second contact by the user at a second force, which is greater than the first force, compresses the spacers and activates an additional haptic feedback from an electrostatic interaction;
- and
- wherein the actuator is integrated into a wearable clothing.
A wearable device for providing a first haptic feedback and a second haptic feedback to a user in response to a first contact and a second contact, comprising:
- a) a substrate integrated into a wearable clothing;
- b) a parallel plate structure associated with the substrate, the parallel structure comprising:
- i. a first plate comprising a first electrode;
- ii. a second plate comprising a polarizable structure having a permanent polarization and at least a second insulator;
- and
- iii. one or more spacers positioned between and separating the first plate and the second plate,
- wherein the first contact at a first force provides the first haptic feedback from an electrostatic interaction;
- and
- wherein the second contact at a second force, which is higher than the first force, compresses the spacers and activates the second haptic feedback.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.