Immersion Corporation
FRICTION BASED KINESTHETIC ACTUATORS

Abstract:

Friction based kinesthetic actuation systems are provided. The friction based kinesthetic actuator systems include at least a friction based kinesthetic actuation device and a user interface element. One or more actuation beams, including at least a friction head and a smart material element, of the friction based kinesthetic actuation device act on the user interface element. Activation of the smart material element applies or increases a normal force between the friction head and an actuation surface of a user interface element. The normal force allows the generation or increase of a friction force between the friction heads of the actuator and the actuation surface. The friction force between the actuator and the actuation surface of the user interface element generates a kinesthetic effect at the user interface element.