Methods and devices for haptic communication

An apparatus configured to stimulate sensate skin, the apparatus comprising:

• a multilayer sheet comprising a polymer layer of piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride adapted to mechanically deform upon application of a voltage to the polymer layer,
• the multilayer sheet secured to a substrate,
• a first and a second electrode disposed upon the polymer layer, and
• a source of electrical stimulation coupled to drive the first and second electrode with an alternating current signal to vibrate the polymer layer;
• wherein the multilayer sheet is formed as a rectangle having a first, second, third, and fourth edge, the first edge being attached to the substrate and the second, third, and fourth edges being detached from the substrate.

An apparatus configured to stimulate sensate skin, the apparatus comprising:

• a multilayer sheet comprising a polymer layer of piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride adapted to mechanically deform upon application of a voltage to the polymer layer,
• the multilayer sheet secured to a substrate,
• a first and a second electrode disposed upon the polymer layer, and
• a source of electrical stimulation coupled to drive the first and second electrode with an alternating current signal to vibrate the polymer layer;
• the multilayer sheet further comprising a second piezoelectric polymer layer disposed between the second electrode and a third electrode, wherein piezoelectric devices formed by the polymer layer and first and second electrodes, and the second polymer layer and second and third electrodes are configured to cooperate in flexing the polymer layer and second piezoelectric polymer layer in a same direction.

A haptic stimulator comprising:

• a first electrode,
• a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive layer disposed on a first insulating sheet the first insulating sheet dimpled at the second electrode,
• the second electrode configured parallel to and with an air gap from the first electrode,
• a second insulating sheet disposed between the second electrode and the first electrode, and
• an apparatus configured to provide alternating voltage between the first electrically conductive layer and the first electrode,
• wherein the first insulating sheet is configured to stimulate the sensate skin.

A method of providing haptic stimulation to sensate skin comprising:

• coupling an alternating current signal generator to drive a first and second electrode, the first and second electrode disposed upon opposite sides of a piezoelectric polymer layer,
• the polymer layer, first electrode and second electrode comprising a multilayer sheet;
• vibrating the polymer layer by enabling the alternating current signal generator;
• and
• coupling vibrations of the polymer layer to the sensate skin;
• wherein the first and second electrode are disposed on opposite sides of the polymer layer;
• and
• wherein the polymer layer, first electrode, and second electrode are cut to form a spiral, and wherein the multilayer sheet is attached to the substrate at a periphery of the spiral.

A method of providing haptic stimulation to sensate skin comprising:

• coupling an alternating current signal generator to drive a first and second electrode, the first and second electrode disposed upon opposite sides of a piezoelectric polymer layer,
• the polymer layer, first electrode and second electrode comprising a multilayer sheet;
• vibrating the polymer layer by enabling the alternating current signal generator;
• and
• coupling vibrations of the polymer layer to the sensate skin;
• wherein the first and second electrode are disposed on opposite sides of the polymer layer;
• and
• wherein the multilayer sheet is formed as a rectangle having a first, second, third, and fourth edge, the first edge being attached to the substrate and the second, third, and fourth edges being detached from the substrate.