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Thin profile user interface device and method providing localized haptic response

  • US 10,088,936 B2
  • Filed: 01/07/2013
  • Issued: 10/02/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A user interface device capable of providing a localized haptic response in communication with a controller, comprising:

  • a force-sensing layer including one or more force-sensing sensors;

    one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers each aligned to a corresponding one of the force sensing sensor, wherein when one or more of the force-sensing sensors detect a force, the controller activates the corresponding ones of the EMP transducers to provide the localized haptic response to the force, wherein each EMP transducer comprises a plurality of EMP active layers provided between electrodes, with each EMP active layer having a thickness less than 30 microns;

    a cushion attached to each EMP transducer between the EMP transducer and the corresponding force-sensing sensor to which the EMP transducer is aligned, wherein the cushion is attached to a side of each EMP transducer facing the corresponding force-sensing sensor, wherein the cushion is provided a thickness that is less than the distance between each EMP transducer and the corresponding force sensing sensor, and wherein the cushion has a hardness between 20 A-30 A to reduce an attenuation of the localized haptic response when the EMP transducer through the cushion is pushed against the corresponding force-sensing sensor; and

    a covering layer covering the force-sensing layer and the EMP transducers, wherein the EMP transducers are directly attached to an underside of the covering layer such that the localized haptic response is transmitted to the covering layer without going through an intervening passive layer.

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