Localized multimodal electromechanical polymer transducers

摘要

A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.

主权项

1. A system comprising one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each EMP transducer comprising:
a plurality of EMP layers each having a first surface and a second surface separated by a thickness that is less than 10 microns, each EMP layer being formed out of an electrostrictive polymer; and a plurality of electrodes each provided adjacent one or more of the EMP layers, wherein the electrodes are connected to provide or to sense, in each EMP layer, a voltage across the first surface and the second surface, wherein the EMP transducer generates an acceleration of greater than 0.5 Gs under an electric field.