Actuator device with improved tactile characteristics
US9401248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24612
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to an actuator device (400) comprising an active layer (410) having directly or indirectly a skin layer (420) on top that can be touched by when in use by a user. The configuration of the active layer (410) can controllably be changed in an extension direction (x, y), and the skin layer (420) comprises a plurality of elevations (E) and intermediate recesses (R). Due to its structure, the skin layer (420) does not hinder conformation changes of the active layer (410) in the extension direction, while it provides favorable tactile characteristics of the actuator device (400). The active layer (410) may particularly comprise an electroactive polymer (EAP). The skin layer (420) may be composed of a plurality of grains isolated from each other, or it may comprise a thin surface layer (421) that is stiffer than the active layer (410).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.