Fabric devices with shape memory alloy wires that provide haptic feedback
US10191550B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04105
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.