U.S. patent application number 16/519153 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-14 for smart material for electrostatic haptic feedback.
The applicant listed for this patent is IMMERSION CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Juan Manuel CRUZ HERNANDEZ, Vahid KHOSHKAVA.
Application Number | 20190346927 16/519153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60119823 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190346927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KHOSHKAVA; Vahid ; et
al. |
November 14, 2019 |
SMART MATERIAL FOR ELECTROSTATIC HAPTIC FEEDBACK
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a smart material for providing haptic
feedback, as well as haptic actuators, and suitably haptic
actuation resulting from electroactive materials. Such haptic
actuators are useful in structural materials, including as elements
of wearables or accessories.
Inventors: |
KHOSHKAVA; Vahid; (Montreal,
CA) ; CRUZ HERNANDEZ; Juan Manuel; (Montreal,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IMMERSION CORPORATION |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60119823 |
Appl. No.: |
16/519153 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15339981 |
Nov 1, 2016 |
10401963 |
|
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16519153 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/016 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01 |
Claims
1. A smart material for providing haptic feedback to a user,
comprising: a structural material; a conductor; a first insulator
positioned between the conductor and the structural material; a
second insulator positioned between the conductor and the user; and
a power source connected to the conductor, wherein the haptic
feedback includes an electrostatic interaction.
2. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the structural material
is a textile.
3. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the structural material
is part of a wearable.
4. The smart material of claim 1, further comprising a second
conductor positioned between the second insulator and the user.
5. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the conductor comprises
Au, Al, Ag, Cr or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene
sulfonate.
6. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the conductor has a
thickness of about 1 .mu.m to about 10 mm.
7. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the first and second
insulators have a thickness of about 5-20 .mu.m.
8. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the user acts as a
ground.
9. The smart material of claim 1, wherein the haptic feedback is
provided to both the user's body and to the user's touch.
10. A method for providing haptic feedback to a user via a smart
material, the method comprising: i. providing a smart material
including, a structural material; a conductor; a first insulator
positioned between the conductor and the structural material; a
second insulator positioned between the conductor and the user; and
a power source connected to the conductor; ii. transmitting an
activating signal to the power source; and iii. generating an
electrostatic interaction to provide haptic feedback to the
user.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the structural material is a
textile.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the structural material is part
of a wearable.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the smart material further
comprises a second conductor positioned between the second
insulator and the user.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the conductor comprises Au, Al,
Ag, Cr or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene
sulfonate.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the conductor has a thickness
of about 1 .mu.m to about 10 mm.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second insulators
have a thickness of about 5-20 .mu.m.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the user's body acts as a
ground.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the haptic feedback is provided
to both the user's body and the user's touch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/339,981, filed Nov. 1, 2016, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a smart material for providing
haptic feedback, as well as haptic actuators, and suitably haptic
actuation resulting from electrostatic interactions. Such haptic
actuators are useful in structural materials, including as elements
of wearables or accessories.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Haptic feedback for use in wearables or accessories has
traditionally been based on the use of eccentric rotating mass
(ERM) motors and linear resonant actuator (LRA). However, these
types of actuators are typically bulky and often require large
amounts of power, making them difficult to integrate into clothing
or other wearables or accessories (i.e., jewelry, etc.). Shape
memory alloys have also been used in wearables, but again, power
consumption often limits their applicability and ease of
integration.
[0004] What is needed is a simple mechanism for providing haptic
feedback to a user that can readily be implemented in wearable and
accessory goods.
SUMMARY
[0005] This disclosure relates to smart materials comprising
electroactive materials for providing haptic feedback to a user,
wherein the smart material for providing haptic feedback may be
used in various applications, such as wearables and accessory
goods.
[0006] In exemplary embodiments, provided herein are smart
materials for providing haptic feedback to a user. In embodiments,
the smart materials include a structural material, an electroactive
material associated with the structural material, and a power
source connected to the electroactive material.
[0007] In additional embodiments, provided herein are methods for
providing haptic feedback to a user via a smart material, the smart
material, including a structural material, an electroactive
material associated with the structural material, and a power
source connected to the electroactive material. The methods include
transmitting an activating signal to the power source and
generating movement of the electroactive material, resulting in
actuation of the structural material to provide haptic feedback to
the user.
[0008] Also provided herein are smart materials for providing
haptic feedback to a user, which include a structural material, a
conductor associated with the structural material, an insulator
associated with the conductor, and a power source connected to the
electroactive material, wherein the haptic feedback is an
electrostatic interaction provided to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present
technology can be better understood from the following description
of embodiments and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a
part of the specification, further serve to illustrate the
principles of the present technology. The components in the
drawings are not necessarily to scale.
[0010] FIG. 1A shows a smart material for providing haptic feedback
in accordance with an embodiment hereof.
[0011] FIG. 1B shows a sectional view of the smart material of FIG.
1A, taken through line B-B, in accordance with an embodiment
hereof.
[0012] FIG. 2A shows an additional smart material for providing
haptic feedback in accordance with an embodiment hereof.
[0013] FIG. 2B shows a sectional view of the smart material of FIG.
2A, taken through line B-B, in accordance with an embodiment
hereof.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3B show movement of a smart material in accordance
with an embodiment hereof.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4B show movement of an additional smart material in
accordance with an embodiment hereof.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-5C show smart materials based on electrostatic
feedback in accordance with embodiments hereof.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6B show smart materials based on a combination of
an electroactive material and electrostatic feedback in accordance
with embodiments hereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Various embodiments will be described in detail, some with
reference to the drawings. Reference to various embodiments does
not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally,
any embodiments set forth in this specification are not intended to
be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible
embodiments for the appended claims.
[0019] Whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular also will
include the plural and vice versa. The use of "a" herein means "one
or more" unless stated otherwise or where the use of "one or more"
is clearly inappropriate. The use of "or" means "and/or" unless
stated otherwise. The use of "comprise," "comprises," "comprising,"
"include," "includes," "including," "has," and "having" are
interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. The term "such as"
also is not intended to be limiting. For example, the term
"including" shall mean "including, but not limited to."
[0020] In embodiments, provided herein are smart materials for
providing haptic feedback to a user, which include a structural
material and an electroactive material associated with the
structural material.
[0021] As used herein "smart material(s)" refers to a material that
is capable of being controlled such that the response and
properties of the material change under the influence of an
external stimulus.
[0022] As used herein "haptic feedback" or "haptic feedback signal"
refer to information such as vibration, texture, and/or heat, etc.,
that are transferred, via the sense of touch, from a smart material
as described herein, to a user.
[0023] As used herein, "structural material" means a material used
in constructing a wearable, personal accessory, luggage, etc.
Examples of structural materials include: fabrics and textiles,
such as cotton, silk, wool, nylon, rayon, synthetics, flannel,
linen, polyester, woven or blends of such fabrics, etc.; leather;
suede; pliable metallic such as foil; Kevlar, etc. Examples of
wearables include: clothing; footwear; prosthetics such as
artificial limbs; headwear such as hats and helmets; athletic
equipment worn on the body; protective equipment such as ballistic
vests, helmets, and other body armor. Personal accessories include:
eyeglasses; neckties and scarfs; belts and suspenders; jewelry such
as bracelets, necklaces, and watches (including watch bands and
straps); and wallets, billfolds, luggage tags, etc. Luggage
includes: handbags, purses, travel bags, suitcases, backpacks, and
including handles for such articles, etc.
[0024] As used herein, an "electroactive material" refers to a
material that exhibits a change in shape or size when stimulated by
an electric field (either direct or alternating current). Exemplary
electroactive materials, as described herein, include electroactive
polymers and piezoelectric materials.
[0025] FIG. 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of a smart material
100 as provided herein, including a structural material 102 and an
electroactive material 104 associated with structural material 102.
Also shown in FIG. 1A is a power source 108, which is suitably
connected to electroactive material 104, so as to provide the
electric field required to stimulate movement, i.e., the change in
shape and/or size, of electroactive material 104.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1A, electroactive material 104 can also
include an electrode 106 associated with an outer surface 105 (see
FIG. 1B) of electroactive material 104. An exemplary placement of
electrode 106 is shown in FIG. 1B, showing a sectional view of
smart material 100 in FIG. 1A, taken through line B-B. As shown in
FIG. 1B, an additional electrode 106A can be positioned between
electroactive material 104 and structural material 102, so as to
provide the electric field discussed herein. In further
embodiments, however, the required electric field may be provided
from a single electrode positioned on either side of electroactive
material 104, or can be a continuous electrode that covers a
portion of electroactive material 104 so as to provide the required
electric field.
[0027] As used herein "associating" refers to any mechanism by
which electroactive material 104 is connected or attached to
structural material 102, and similarly any mechanism by which
electrode 106 is connected or attached to electroactive material
104 (and/or by which electrode 106 may be attached to structural
material 102). Various mechanisms for associating or attaching
electroactive material 104 to structural material 102 can be used.
For example, electroactive material 104 can be integrated into
structural material 102. Electroactive material 104 can be made
part of structural material 102 during formation of structural
material 102, such as during weaving or sewing of a textile, etc.
That is, electroactive material 104 can be directly sewn into a
textile or fabric, for example, between two pieces of a
textile.
[0028] In additional embodiments, electroactive material 104 can be
fixedly attached to structural material 102. In such embodiments,
electroactive material 104 can be glued, taped, stitched, adhered,
stapled, tacked, or otherwise attached to structural material 102.
Electroactive material 104 can also be integrated into, or on,
various substrates, e.g., polymers such as rubbers, silicones,
silicone elastomers, Teflon, or poly(ethylene terephthalate), etc.,
in the form of patches, ribbons or tapes that can then be attached
to structural material 102 (e.g., adhered or sewn). Similarly,
electrode 106 can be attached to electroactive material 104 via
various glues, adhesives, etc. Electrode 106 is suitably prepared
from a conductive metal or polymer (e.g., thin films of Au, Al, Ag,
Cr, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate
(PEDOT:PSS), etc.) that can be applied to electroactive material
104 to create the final structure for association with structural
material 102.
[0029] Electroactive material 104 can be prepared in any desired
shape or orientation for association with structural material 102.
Including, for example, as various patches, discs, plates, ribbons,
layers, rods, etc. The size of electroactive material 104 is
generally dictated by the final desired use, and can be on the
order of a few centimeters to tens of centimeters in both length
and width, or can be larger depending on the desired use and
application. Electroactive material 104 will suitably have a
thickness on the order of about 5 .mu.m to millimeters, e.g., about
1 .mu.m to 5 mm, about 1 .mu.m to 1 mm, about 1 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m,
or about 5 .mu.m to about 500 .mu.m, or about 10 .mu.m to 500
.mu.m, or about 1 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m, though thicker or
thinner electroactive materials can also be utilized, depending on
the desired use and orientation for the electroactive material with
the structural material.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments, electroactive material 104 is an
electroactive polymer, which includes polymers such as, but not
limited to, poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(pyrrole),
poly(thiophene), poly(aniline) and mixtures, co-polymers, and
derivatives thereof. Exemplary classes of electroactive polymers
for use as electroactive material 104 include dielectric and ionic
polymers. A dielectric polymer may be made to change shape in
response to an electrostatic force being generated between two
electrodes that then squeezes the polymer. Dielectric polymers are
capable of very high strains and are fundamentally a capacitor that
changes its capacitance when a voltage is applied by allowing the
polymer to compress in thickness and expand in area due to the
electric field. An ionic polymer may undergo a change in shape or
size due to displacement of ions inside the polymer. In addition,
some ionic polymers require the presence of an aqueous environment
to maintain an ionic flow.
[0031] Methods of preparing electroactive polymers are known in the
art, and can suitably include dissolving a desired polymer in a
suitable solvent, and then casting the polymer in the desired shape
(i.e., flat ribbon, patch, etc.). Alternatively, the polymer may be
drawn, or subjected to fiber spinning techniques, so as to be
prepared with the desired filament dimensions, as described herein.
Additional methods include melt mixing, in which the polymer is
heated above the softening/melting point, and then the polymer film
is processed using film processing (casting or blowing) techniques.
The electroactive polymers, if prepared as relatively flat
structures, can also be prepared by layering various polymer
sections or layers to create the final desired structure.
[0032] In additional embodiments, electroactive material 106 is a
piezoelectric material, including piezoelectric composites and
ceramics. Exemplary piezoelectric materials include, but are not
limited to, barium titanate, hydroxyapatite, apatite, lithium
sulfate monohydrate, sodium potassium niobate, quartz, lead
zirconium titanate (PZT), tartaric acid and polyvinylidene
difluoride fibers. Other piezoelectric materials known in the art
can also be used in the embodiments described herein.
[0033] In further embodiments, an additional structural polymer or
substrate can be used to provide mechanical support to
electroactive material 104 and/or electrode 106, to allow for
easier association with structural material 102, i.e., to provide a
structural, support substrate to bond to structural material 102.
Use of an additional mechanical support can also help in providing
a higher mechanical force when electroactive material 104 is
activated, allowing for more movement of structural material 102,
or faster vibrations with higher force.
[0034] In additional embodiments, a smart material 200, as shown in
FIG. 2A, can comprise an electroactive polymer as a filament 202,
which is integrated into structural material 102. As used herein
"integrated" refers to filament 202 being woven, sewn, stitched, or
otherwise made a part of structural material 102, such that it is
not readily removed or disassociated from structural material 102.
That is, filament 202 can act as a fiber or thread during
preparation of structural material 102 or for integration into an
already formed structural material. In integrating filaments into
structural material 102, it is generally desirable to orient the
filaments in a parallel or other orientation such that when
activated, their movement in concert results in movement of the
structural material, rather than cancelling out their changes in
shape or size. For example, if filaments are placed in
perpendicular orientation, movement of the filaments in directions
orthogonal to one another would generally result in no or very
little net movement, of a structural material in which the
filaments are integrated.
[0035] FIG. 2B shows a sectional view of smart material 200 taken
through line B-B, illustrating filament 202 and structural material
102, as well as electrodes 204, 204A at least partially surrounding
or covering the outside of filament 202. Filament 202 is suitably a
slender, threadlike or fibrous structure, often having a
substantially circular or oval cross-section, though other shapes
can be utilized. Filament 202 can take the form of a wire or thread
made from an electroactive material, including for example, an
electroactive polymer as described herein. Electrodes 204, 204A can
be applied to filaments 202 by using various methods, including dip
coating, spraying, electro-plating, doping, thin film coating,
vapor deposition, etc. Filaments generally have a cross-sectional
area on the order of a few hundred microns to tens of millimeters,
and lengths on the order of millimeters, to centimeters, to
hundreds of centimeters, though longer lengths can also be utilized
depending on the desired application.
[0036] As described herein, smart materials 100 or 200, can further
comprise power source 108 connected to electroactive material 104,
or filament 202 (i.e., an electrical connection or wireless power
connection). In embodiments, power source 108 can be permanently
connected to electroactive material 104 or filament 202, or in
other embodiments, can be separate from the electroactive material
or the filament, and later connected. As described herein, the
electroactive materials 104 can include electrode(s) 106, 106A, to
establish a connection between electroactive material 104 and power
source 108 (see FIG. 1B), or as shown in FIG. 2B, filament 202 can
include electrodes 204, 204A surrounding all or a portion of the
filament to facilitate connection to power source 108. Power source
108 can come as an integrated component of smart materials 100 or
200, or can be provided separately, or later provided, to supply
power. The amount of power provided by power source 108 is suitably
on the order of about 0.1 Watts (W) to about 10 W, or more suitably
about 0.5 W to about 5 W, or about 1 W to about 5 W, or about 0.5
W, about 1 W, about 2 W, about 3 W, about 4 W or about 5 W.
Exemplary power sources 108 including various battery packs as well
as solar energy sources. Power source 108 can also include a
re-chargeable system, for example, a system capable of recharging
through the use of a piezoelectric material as electroactive
material 104, as described herein, providing a current to the
system.
[0037] In embodiments, smart material 100 or 200, and thus
structural material 102, can be incorporated into wearable
articles, such as, wearables textiles, including shirts, blouses,
hats, jackets, coats and pants/shorts, resulting in a wearable
smart material. The structural materials can also be integrated
into accessories, including various leather goods, including
wallets and purses, handbags (including handles of such),
backpacks, and jewelry, etc.
[0038] In additional embodiments, provided herein are methods for
providing haptic feedback to a user via a smart material. As
described herein, the smart material includes the structural
material, the electroactive material associated with the structural
material, and suitably the power source connected to the
electroactive material.
[0039] The methods described herein, as shown illustratively in
FIGS. 3A and 3B, include transmitting an activating signal 302 to
the power source. The activating signal triggers the generating of
movement of the electroactive material 104, for example a shape
change or size change, as shown in FIG. 3B, and thus the movement
and actuation of the structural material 102 to provide haptic
feedback to a user. For example, in embodiments where the
structural material is part of a wearable, the actuation causes the
structural material to move, providing a haptic feedback to a user
in the form of movement in an article of clothing (e.g., shirt,
tie, blouse, pants), or as part of an accessory, including a watch,
bracelet, etc.
[0040] Exemplary activating signals can be from a cellular phone,
tablet, computer, car interface, smart device, game console, etc.,
and can indicate for example the receipt of a text message or
email, phone call, appointment, etc.
[0041] In further embodiments, a controller is also suitably
included to provide an interface between the device and smart
materials, as described herein. Components of a controller are well
known in the art, and suitably include a bus, a processor, an
input/output (I/O) controller and a memory, for example. A bus
couples the various components of controller, including the I/O
controller and memory, to the processor. The bus typically
comprises a control bus, address bus, and data bus. However, the
bus can be any bus or combination of busses suitable to transfer
data between components in the controller.
[0042] A processor can comprise any circuit configured to process
information and can include any suitable analog or digital circuit.
The processor can also include a programmable circuit that executes
instructions. Examples of programmable circuits include
microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other processor or
hardware suitable for executing instructions. In the various
embodiments, the processor can comprise a single unit, or a
combination of two or more units, with the units physically located
in a single controller or in separate devices.
[0043] An I/O controller comprises circuitry that monitors the
operation of the controller and peripheral or external devices. The
I/O controller also manages data flow between the controller and
peripherals or external devices. Examples of peripheral or external
devices with the which I/O controller can interface include
switches, sensors, external storage devices, monitors, input
devices such as keyboards, mice or pushbuttons, external computing
devices, mobile devices, and transmitters/receivers.
[0044] The memory can comprise volatile memory such as random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable
programmable read only memory (EERPOM), flash memory, magnetic
memory, optical memory or any other suitable memory technology.
Memory can also comprise a combination of volatile and nonvolatile
memory.
[0045] The memory is configured to store a number of program
modules for execution by the processor. The modules can, for
example, include an event detection module, an effect determination
module, and an effect control module. Each program module is a
collection of data, routines, objects, calls and other instructions
that perform one or more particular task. Although certain program
modules are disclosed herein, the various instructions and tasks
described for each module can, in various embodiments, be performed
by a single program module, a different combination of modules,
modules other than those disclosed herein, or modules executed by
remote devices that are in communication with the controller.
[0046] In embodiments described herein, the controller, which can
include a wireless transceiver (including a Bluetooth or infrared
transceiver), can be integrated into structural material 102 or
separate from the structural material. In further embodiments, the
controller can be on a separate device from the structural
material, but is suitably connected via a wired or more suitably a
wireless signal, so as to provide activating signal 302 to the
various components of the systems and smart materials described
herein.
[0047] For example, the controller can provide activating signal
302 to actuator drive circuit, which in turn communicates with
power supply 108, of the smart materials described herein, so as to
provide haptic feedback to a user of a smart material or system as
described herein. For example, desired haptic feedback can occur,
for example, when a mobile phone or other device to which a
controller is paired via wireless connection receives a message or
email. Additional examples include a controller being associated
with devices such as game controllers, systems or consoles,
computers, tablets, car or truck interfaces or computers, automated
payment machines or kiosks, various keypad devices, televisions,
various machinery, etc. In such embodiments, the controller
suitably provides activating signal 302 to an actuator drive
circuit, to provide haptic feedback to a user in response to a
signal originated by or from an external device. The device can
also be a part of the wearable on which the various components of
the haptic feedback systems described herein are contained.
Exemplary feedback or signals that can be provided by a device,
include, for example, indications of incoming messages or
communication from a third party, warning signals, gaming
interaction, driver awareness signals, computer prompts, etc.
[0048] In further embodiments, the smart materials and components
described herein can be integrated with or be part of a virtual
reality or augmented reality system. In such embodiments, the smart
materials can provide haptic feedback to a user as he or she
interacts with a virtual or augmented reality system, providing
responses or feedback initiated by the virtual reality or augmented
reality components and devices.
[0049] FIGS. 4A and 4B show the actuation and movement of an
electroactive material in the form of the filament 202 described
herein integrated into the structural material 102. Upon
transmission of an activating signal 302, the filament changes
shape or size. For example, a movement may be generated along one
or both of a longitudinal axis (402) of the filament 202, i.e.,
along a length of the filament, or a cross-sectional axis (404) of
the filament 202, i.e., across a width of the filament. The
movement results in a lengthening or shortening of the filament, or
a change in shape as the filament is compressed or extended. In
response to the actuation of the filament 202, the structural
material 102 in which the filament is integrated, moves (see FIG.
4B), providing haptic feedback to the user.
[0050] In further embodiments, provided herein are smart materials
which incorporate electrostatic forces, or electrostatic
feedback/interaction, for providing haptic feedback to a user.
[0051] For example as shown in FIG. 5A, a smart material 500
includes structural material 102, a conductor 502 associated with
the structural material and an insulator 504 associated with
conductor 502. Also suitably included is power source 108, which is
connected to conductor 502, and also suitably connected to ground
520. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, power source 108
can be connected to a second conductor 502'.
[0052] Upon interaction with smart material 500, for example via a
user touch 508, haptic feedback is provided via an electrostatic
interaction or electrostatic feedback to the user. The
electrostatic feedback can be in the form of a short vibration or
pulse, or an extended vibration to the user. The frequency of the
electrostatic feedback or interaction can be on the order of about
1 Hz to about 1000 Hz, more suitably about 1 Hz to about 500 Hz,
about 1 Hz to about 200 Hz, about 10 Hz to about 200 Hz, about 10
Hz to about 100 Hz, or about 10 Hz, about 20 Hz, about 30 Hz, about
40 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 60 Hz, about 70 Hz, about 80 Hz, about 90
Hz or about 100 Hz. Haptic feedback can also be provided by the
electrostatic interaction if a user simply approaches, or is near,
the smart material, signaling a close proximity to the smart
material, which may result in the electrostatic interaction and the
haptic feedback therefrom.
[0053] Exemplary materials useful as conductors are known in the
art, and include for example, various metals and conductive
polymers. Materials useful as insulators are well known in the art,
and include polymeric materials, rubbers, plastics, ceramics etc.
In embodiments, the materials selected for conductors and
insulators are suitably thin materials, on the order of 1 .mu.m to
100 mm in thickness, more suitably about 1 .mu.m to 10 mm, and are
selected so as to be flexible such that when the structural
material is part of a textile or fabric, including as a wearable,
the materials can bend and conform to the various shapes necessary
during wearing by a user, while still providing the desired
electrostatic feedback.
[0054] In embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 5A, insulator
504 is positioned between structural material 102 (e.g., a wearable
article) and conductor 502. In such embodiments, a user's body 506
(e.g., arm, leg, torso, head, neck, etc.) can act as a ground (520)
for the electrostatic interaction, whereby the haptic feedback is
provided or felt via the user's touch 508 (or close approach). The
thickness of insulator 504 will generally be on the order of
microns, for example 5-50 microns, or about 5-20 microns, or about
5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 microns.
[0055] In further embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 5B,
smart material 550 includes insulator 504 positioned between
conductor 502 and the user (e.g., user's body 506). In such
embodiments, the user's touch 508 can act as ground 520 for the
electrostatic interaction, whereby the haptic feedback is provided
or felt via the user's body 506, rather than through user's touch
508 (or close approach). Or, as shown in FIG. 5B, power source can
be connected to a further conductor 502'.
[0056] In still further embodiments, as shown in smart material 560
in FIG. 5C, insulators 504 and 504' can be positioned between both
conductor 502 and user (i.e., user's body 506), as well as between
conductor 502 and structural material 102. In such embodiments, the
haptic feedback in the form of an electrostatic interaction can be
felt by either, or both, user's body 506 and/or user's touch 508.
Again, power source 108 can be connected to ground or second
conductor 502'.
[0057] As described herein, structural material 102 is suitably a
textile, and can be part of a wearable, providing a way to provide
haptic feedback to a user in the form of an electrostatic
interaction or electrostatic feedback, for example, using the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C.
[0058] In still further embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and
6B, provided herein are combination smart material 602 and
combination smart material 620. As shown in FIG. 6A, a smart
material which includes structural material 102 and electroactive
material 104 associated with structural material 102, can be
provided. Combination smart material 602 can also further include
smart material 500, 550 or 560, which includes the conductor
associated with the structural material and the insulator
associated with the conductor. As described herein, smart materials
500, 550 and 560, can include various orientations of the
conductor(s) and insulator(s) in such embodiments, providing
different configurations that will provide an electrostatic
interaction. FIG. 6B illustrates combined smart material 620, in
which the electroactive material is filament 202. As shown in FIG.
6A, power source 108 is suitably connected to both electroactive
material 104, and the conductor(s) within smart material 500, 550
or 560. Similarly, in FIG. 6B, power source is connected to both
filament 2020 and conductor(s) within smart material 500, 550 or
560.
[0059] Upon activation, power source 108 provides power so as to
generate movement of electroactive material 104, as well as an
electrostatic interaction via smart material 500, 550 or 560, which
incorporate electrostatic forces.
[0060] Exemplary structural materials and electroactive materials
useful in combination smart materials 602 and 620 are described
herein, as are orientations and components of smart materials 500,
550 and 560, for providing electrostatic interactions.
[0061] Also provided herein are methods for providing haptic
feedback utilizing the combined smart materials described herein.
For example, a smart material that includes the combination of the
electroactive material(s) and the electrostatic smart materials
described herein is provided. Suitably, the combination smart
material would include the structural material, the electroactive
material associated with the structural material, the conductor
associated with the structural material and the insulator
associated with the conductor, as well as the power source
connected to the electroactive material and to the conductor.
[0062] In embodiments of the methods, the activating signal(s)
described herein is transmitted to the power source. Movement is
then generated in the electroactive material, resulting in
actuation of the structural material. In addition, an electrostatic
interaction is generated. The combination of the movement of the
electroactive material and the electrostatic interaction provide
haptic feedback to the user. In various embodiments, the order,
sequence, frequency, and intensity of both the movement of the
electroactive material and electrostatic interaction can be varied,
depending on the type of interaction or the type of desired
feedback.
[0063] For example, in embodiments, a user may experience haptic
feedback from the movement of the electroactive material, upon
which the user may interact with the structural material, creating
an electrostatic interaction which provides additional, further
haptic feedback. In further embodiments, the user may interact with
the structural material, which in turn provides an electrostatic
interaction, and the structural material may further provide
movement from the electroactive material to provide the haptic
feedback.
[0064] Examples of intensity, frequency and timing of the various
haptic feedback are provided herein, and can be tailored as desired
by the user or the device with which the user is interacting.
Examples of devices and methods for activating the combined smart
materials are described herein, and include various computers,
mobile devices, gaming systems, automobiles, etc.
[0065] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *