公开(公告)号：US09170650B2

公开(公告)日：2015-10-27

申请号：US13683928

申请日：2012-11-21

Applicant: Novasentis, Inc.

Inventor： Christophe Ramstein ,  Li Jiang ,  Brian C. Zellers ,  Shihai Zhang ,  Richard Ducharme ,  Stephen Davis ,  M. Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos

IPC: G06F3/01 ,  H01L41/18 ,  H01L41/08 ,  H01L41/193 ,  H01L41/09

CPC classification number: G06F3/016 ,  H01L41/0926 ,  H01L41/0986 ,  H01L41/193

Abstract: 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, keyboard, braille display, and audio speakers.

Abstract translation: 局部多模式触觉系统包括一个或多个机电聚合物（EMP）换能器，每个都包括EMP层，例如电致伸缩聚合物活性层。 在某些应用中，EMP传感器可以执行执行器功能或传感器功能，或两者兼有。 EMP聚合物层具有第一表面和第二表面，其上设置有一个或多个电极。 EMP致动器的EMP层可以为5微米厚或更小。 EMP传感器可以为局部刺激提供局部触觉响应。 在一个应用中，触摸传感器可以与每个EMP传感器相关联，使得触摸传感器处的触觉事件可以通过仅激活相关联的EMP换能器来响应。 此外，EMP换能器可以作为其自身的触摸传感器。 可以提供各种触觉响应。 EMP传感器可用于各种其他应用，例如提供复杂的表面形态，键盘，盲文显示和音频扬声器。

公开(公告)号：US20150107976A1

公开(公告)日：2015-04-23

申请号：US14520101

申请日：2014-10-21

Applicant: Novasentis, Inc.

Inventor： Mark Levatich ,  Brian C. Zellers ,  Edward Foster ,  Madeline Boyer ,  Brian Thaler ,  Raj Pathak ,  Richard Ducharme

IPC: H01H13/85

CPC classification number: H01H13/85 ,  H01H2215/016

Abstract: A retractable snap dome in a keyboard, serving as a force resistor for a key in a conventional manner, includes an additional collapsed state wherein the key can be retracted by an electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuator to a persistent down position. In one embodiment, the EMP actuator is a bimorph EMP actuator that can be actuated to bring the key from down position to up position, ready for conventional keyboard operation, and vice versa. Such operations allow the keyboard to have a desirable decreased thickness relative to conventional keyboards. Thus, a keyboard of the present invention finds application in ultra-slim electronic devices. When provided in a notebook computer wherein the keyboard is folded against a video or graphic display, the keyboard keys may be placed in the retracted down position, thereby preventing the keys from pressing against the video or graphical display with a force that may damage the display.

Abstract translation: 键盘中的可伸缩卡扣圆顶用作常规方式的键的强制电阻器，包括另外的折叠状态，其中键可以被机电聚合物（EMP）致动器缩回到持续的向下位置。 在一个实施例中，EMP致动器是双压电晶片EMP致动器，其可以被致动以将键从下位置向上位置准备好用于常规键盘操作，反之亦然。 这样的操作允许键盘相对于常规键盘具有期望的减小的厚度。 因此，本发明的键盘可应用于超薄型电子设备中。 当提供在其中键盘与视频或图形显示器折叠的笔记本计算机中时，键盘键可以被放置在缩回位置，从而防止键以可能损坏显示器的力而压迫视频或图形显示 。