Actuation of floor systems using mechanical and electro-active polymer transducers

A method of inducing tactile stimulation of a user by activating a floor system using EAP transducers comprising:

• providing a floor deck made from a material that is capable of inducing said tactile stimulation;
• attaching said EAP transducers to said floor deck between said floor deck and a floor base;
• applying a tonal frequency signal to said EAP transducers;
• generating tonal vibrations, in said EAP transducers in response to said tonal frequency signal, that are transmitted to said floor deck to induce said tactile stimulation of said user.

A method of inducing tactile stimulation of a user by activating an EAP transducer pad using EAP transducers comprising:

• providing a structural support layer that is constructed from a semi-rigid material;
• attaching said EAP transducers to said structural support layer;
• providing a top surface layer constructed from a closed cell foam;
• attaching said top surface layer to said structural support layer so that said top surface layer is disposed over said EAP transducers;
• attaching a bottom surface layer to said structural support layer;
• applying a tonal frequency signal to an electronics package that is attached to said EAP transducer pad;
• generating tonal vibrations in said EAP transducers, in response to said tonal frequency signal, that are transmitted to said top surface layer to induce tactile stimulation of a user disposed on said EAP transducer pad.