Immersion Corporation
Haptic actuator having a smart material actuation component and an electromagnet actuation component

Abstract:

A haptic actuator comprising a first actuation component and a second actuation component is presented. The first actuation component comprises a first layer of actuatable material and electrodes on opposite sides of the first layer, wherein the actuatable material is configured to deform upon any electrical signal being applied to at least one of the electrodes. The haptic actuator further comprises a second layer separated from the first actuation component by one or more spacers. The second actuation component comprises a magnetized material and one or more electromagnets. Either the magnetized material or the one or more electromagnets are disposed on the first actuation component, and relative movement between the magnetized material and the one or more electromagnets is generated upon any electrical signal being applied to the one or more electromagnets, wherein the relative movement causes vibration of the first actuation component.