Systems and methods for piezo-based haptic feedback
Systems and methods for piezo-based haptic feedback are disclosed. For example, one described apparatus for piezo-based haptic feedback includes a polymer matrix, and a piezoelectric actuator at least partially embedded within the polymer matrix, the piezoelectric actuator configured to output a haptic effect.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a polymer matrix;
a piezoelectric actuator at least partially embedded within the polymer matrix, the piezoelectric actuator configured to output a haptic effect;
a user input device coupled to the polymer matrix, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to output a haptic effect to the user input device; and
a display coupled to the user input device and the polymer matrix.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator comprises one or more of: a monolithic piezoelectric actuator or a composite piezoelectric actuator.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the polymer matrix comprises silicone.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the polymer matrix comprises an adhesive material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the polymer matrix comprises a low damping ratio.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the polymer matrix comprises a high stiffness coefficient.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator is substantially completely embedded within the polymer matrix.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a processor in communication with the piezoelectric actuator and configured to generate a haptic signal and transmit the haptic signal to the piezoelectric actuator.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the user input device comprises a touch-sensitive input device.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the touch-sensitive input device comprises a touch screen.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator is mounted between the touch-sensitive input device and the display.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the polymer matrix forms a seal between the touch-sensitive input device and the display.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a housing and wherein the piezoelectric actuator is affixed to the housing.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the housing comprises a mobile device housing.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side and wherein:
the first side is embedded within the polymer matrix; and
the second side comprises an adhesive.
16. A method comprising:
providing a polymer matrix;
providing a piezoelectric actuator configured to generate a haptic effect;
at least partially embedding the piezoelectric actuator within a polymer matrix;
a user input device coupled to the polymer matrix, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is configured to output a haptic effect to the user input device; and
a display coupled to the user input device and the polymer matrix.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the piezoelectric actuator comprises one or more of a monolithic piezoelectric actuator or a composite piezoelectric actuator.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the polymer matrix comprises silicone.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the polymer matrix comprises one or more of: an adhesive material, a low damping ratio, or a high stiffness coefficient.
20. A system comprising:
a processor;
a user input device in communication with the processor and configured to transmit an input signal to the processor;
a display in communication with the processor and configured to receive a display signal from the processor;
a piezoelectric actuator in communication with the processor, the piezoelectric actuator:
at least partially embedded within a polymer matrix, the polymer matrix coupled to the display and to the user input device, and
configured to output a haptic effect to the user input device in response to a haptic signal from the processor.