Fabric devices with shape memory alloy wires that provide haptic feedback
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronic device, comprising:
- a printed circuit board having at least one opening;
shape memory alloy wire that spans the opening and that has ends that are secured to the printed circuit board;
control circuitry that is configured to supply haptic output with the shape memory alloy wire by applying current to the shape memory alloy wire; and
fabric having conductive strands configured to carry the current to the shape memory alloy wire.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic device may have haptic output devices based on shape memory alloy wire. The electronic device may have control circuitry that supplies current to the shape memory alloy wire to heat and thereby contract the shape memory wire to create vibrations for a user'"'"'s finger. The vibrations may serve as haptic feedback in a device such as a keyboard, a strap with embedded buttons, or other electronic devices. The shape memory alloy wire may run between upper and lower fabric layers in a spacer fabric, may form loops that attached to a fabric layer, or may be tensioned across an opening in a printed circuit or other rigid support structure.
18 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An electronic device, comprising:
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a printed circuit board having at least one opening; shape memory alloy wire that spans the opening and that has ends that are secured to the printed circuit board; control circuitry that is configured to supply haptic output with the shape memory alloy wire by applying current to the shape memory alloy wire; and fabric having conductive strands configured to carry the current to the shape memory alloy wire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A haptic output device that is controlled by current supplied by control circuitry, comprising:
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a layer of fabric having conductive strands; a loop of shape memory alloy wire that receives the current, wherein the conductive strands are configured to carry the current to the loop of shape memory alloy wire; and strands of material that are sewn into the layer of fabric and that tension the loop of shape memory alloy wire. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. Apparatus, comprising:
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a first fabric layer; a second fabric layer, wherein at least one of the first and second fabric layers comprises conductive strands; undulating strands of material that pass between the first and second fabric layers and space the first and second fabric layers apart from each other; an undulating shape memory alloy wire that passes between the first and second fabric layers and that is tensioned by the undulating strands of material; and control circuitry configured to supply current to the undulating shape memory alloy wire to provide haptic output through the conductive strands. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification