Systems including electromechanical polymer sensors and actuators

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. An electromechanical system, comprising:
an EMP transducer; a driving circuit; a sensing circuit; a switching circuit; and a controller circuit which directs the switching circuit (a) to connect the EMP transducer to the sensing circuit to conduct a sensing operation, and (b) upon detecting a sensed event at the sensing circuit, to connect the EMP transducer to the driving circuit, which provides an activation signal under control of controller to the EMP transducer to perform an actuator function.