Method and apparatus for controlling a skin texture surface on a device using a shape memory alloy
US7876199B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24446
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A portable electronic device (100) includes a controllable skin texture surface that includes a skin texture surface actuation structure having a plurality of hinged elements (802-808) with a shape memory alloy (812) coupled thereto to effect movement of the hinged elements and a flexible skin structure (320) to change a tactile configuration of at least a portion of the controllable skin texture surface. A method also includes controlling a first shape memory alloy to actuate a plurality of hinged elements and in response, controlling a second shape memory alloy to actuate a hinged lock structure to lock a plurality of hinged elements in a first position. The method also includes deactivating the first shape memory alloy and unlocking the plurality of hinged elements by actuating the first shape memory alloy to allow the hinged lock to disengage. Corresponding structure is also disclosed. The electronic device may include a passive or active shape memory alloy based hinged locking structure to facilitate a bi-stable texture element actuation configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.