WO2017160296A1 - Package integrated piezoelectric haptic actuators - Google Patents

Package integrated piezoelectric haptic actuators Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017160296A1
WO2017160296A1 PCT/US2016/022877 US2016022877W WO2017160296A1 WO 2017160296 A1 WO2017160296 A1 WO 2017160296A1 US 2016022877 W US2016022877 W US 2016022877W WO 2017160296 A1 WO2017160296 A1 WO 2017160296A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrode
piezoelectric
layer
dielectric substrate
tactor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/022877
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Feras EID
Georgios C. Dogiamis
Original Assignee
Intel Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intel Corporation filed Critical Intel Corporation
Priority to PCT/US2016/022877 priority Critical patent/WO2017160296A1/en
Publication of WO2017160296A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017160296A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/163—Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/01—Manufacture or treatment
    • H10N30/08—Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/01—Manufacture or treatment
    • H10N30/08—Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies
    • H10N30/082—Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies by etching, e.g. lithography
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/20—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with electrical input and mechanical output, e.g. functioning as actuators or vibrators
    • H10N30/204—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with electrical input and mechanical output, e.g. functioning as actuators or vibrators using bending displacement, e.g. unimorph, bimorph or multimorph cantilever or membrane benders
    • H10N30/2041—Beam type
    • H10N30/2042—Cantilevers, i.e. having one fixed end
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/20—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with electrical input and mechanical output, e.g. functioning as actuators or vibrators
    • H10N30/204—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with electrical input and mechanical output, e.g. functioning as actuators or vibrators using bending displacement, e.g. unimorph, bimorph or multimorph cantilever or membrane benders
    • H10N30/2041—Beam type
    • H10N30/2042—Cantilevers, i.e. having one fixed end
    • H10N30/2043—Cantilevers, i.e. having one fixed end connected at their free ends, e.g. parallelogram type

Abstract

A tactor includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed proximate a piezoelectric layer. Upon selective application of a switchable voltage bias to the electrodes, the tactor may oscillate between a neutral state and one or more deflection states. The tactor may be formed on a dielectric substrate, such as a printed circuit substrate. The first electrode may include an electrically conductive trace disposed on a dielectric substrate. The piezoelectric layer is disposed on a surface of the first electrode. The second electrode may be deposited on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer. A portion of the dielectric substrate proximate the first electrode may be removed to provide a void space proximate the first electrode.

Description

P96020PCT - Application
PACKAGE INTEGRATED PIEZOELECTRIC HAPTIC ACTUATORS
FERAS EID GEORGIOS C. DOGIAMIS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to haptic feedback devices.
BACKGROUND
Haptic feedback devices are used to provide a device user with tactile feedback, usually as an acknowledgement of received input (e.g. , receipt of a keystroke) or as a notification of an occurrence of one or more defined events (e.g. , arrival of an email, arrival of a text message). Such feedback is readily perceived without being overly distractive to either the device user or those proximate the device user. Today's haptic feedback usually involves a vibration of the entire device using bulky and relatively inefficient electromechanical motors. Such haptic feedback typically occurs as the user interacts with the device and is considered "global" haptic feedback that is not localized at a specific location, such as a specific spot or spots on the user' s hand (for smartphones) or on the user's wrist (for smartwatches).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system using a tactor that includes a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode mounted on a dielectric substrate that includes a void space, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an illustrative portable electronic device (a smartwatch) incorporating a number of piezoelectric haptic feedback systems, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the current disclosure; P96020PCT - Application
FIG. 3A provides a plan view of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system that includes a tactor disposed on a dielectric substrate proximate a void space formed in the surface of the dielectric substrate, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3B provides a cross- sectional elevation of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system depicted in FIG. 3A along section line A-A, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3C provides a cross- sectional elevation of an illustrative tactor used to tether a member to the dielectric substrate as used in the piezoelectric haptic feedback system depicted in FIGs 3A and 3B, along section line B-B, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3D provides a cross- sectional elevation of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system at least partially covered by an elastomeric membrane and disposed on a dielectric substrate that includes a void space, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4A provides a cross- sectional elevation of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system mounted on a multi-layer dielectric substrate, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4B provides a partial cross-section of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system depicted in FIG. 4A along section line A-A, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5A provides a plan view of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system having a horizontally displaceable tactor mounted on a dielectric substrate, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5B provides a partial cross-section of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system depicted in FIG. 5 A along section line B-B, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6A provides a plan view of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system that includes interleaved electrodes mounted on a dielectric substrate, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; P96020PCT - Application
FIG. 6B provides a partial cross-section of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic feedback system depicted in FIG. 6A along section line C-C, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 provides a high-level block flow diagram of an illustrative method of forming a piezoelectric haptic feedback system on a dielectric substrate, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 8 provides a high-level block flow diagram of an illustrative method of forming a piezoelectric haptic feedback system on a dielectric substrate that includes a void space, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The systems and methods disclosed herein provide piezoelectric haptic feedback devices formed directly on a printed circuit substrate. The next generation of haptic feedback devices focuses on the creation of localized "tactors" or small/miniaturized haptic actuators that provide independent localized actuation of the user's skin. By employing such "tactors" the user may be notified at different locations on the hand or wrist, for example to provide a tactile indication of different notification types and/or classes. Other potential applications include the transmission of texture or similar surface features to the user.
Certain physical characteristics are advantageous when considering the skin deflection caused by the tactor. Such physical characteristics may include, frequency of actuation as well as penetration depth (or skin displacement). Human perception threshold at the fingertips falls in a frequency range of 1 Hertz to 200 Hertz and a displacement range of 10 micrometers (μιη) to 200 μιη. Generally, as haptic feedback frequency increases, the skin displacement may be reduced while maintaining user perceptibility. Different physical locations on the body may exhibit different perception thresholds, thus haptic feedback devices may be tailored to a specific application, use or device. Another characteristic of haptic perception is the distance between haptic feedback locations distinguishable by the body - typically about 2 millimeters at the fingertips for mechanical stimulation. Such piezoelectric haptic feedback devices may be P96020PCT - Application deposited directly on a printed circuit board and therefore offer significant advantages in both cost and overall thickness when compared to surface-mount or similar haptic devices. The systems and methods described herein beneficially and advantageously provide a piezoelectric package-integrated actuation approach compatible with various high-volume package substrate fabrication technology.
The tactors disclosed herein may include released structures or elements such as cantilevers or beams that are free to move along one or more axes such that the movement or motion of the structure or element is discernable to a user when the tactor is positioned proximate the skin of the user. The tactors disclosed herein include one or more piezoelectric material layers disposed at least partially between electrodes used to apply a voltage across the piezoelectric layers. Application of a voltage across the electrode produces a stress in the piezoelectric material, causing the stack, and thus the entire released structure to move. This, in turn, provides a mechanical deflection perceptible by the user.
The tactors disclosed herein are beneficially smaller, thinner, and may be actuated using less power compared to a single discrete electromechanical motor (or linear resonant actuator) used in current haptic devices. Advantageously, such tactors may be manufactured as part of the substrate fabrication process with no need for purchasing and assembling discrete components. Such construction beneficially enables high volume manufacturability and resultant lower cost haptic actuators.
As used herein, the term "tactor" and the plural "tactors" refer to package-integrated piezoelectrically driven haptic actuators that may be fabricated using various deposition, patterning, and/or etching processes. Such piezoelectrically driven haptic actuators are readily distinguishable over conventional electromechanical haptic actuators and provide significant improvements in both performance and power demand over current haptic feedback solutions.
A piezoelectric haptic actuator system is provided. The system may include a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a transversely opposed second surface and a tactor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the tactor including a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between a first surface of a first electrode and a first surface of a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode conductively coupled to respective conductive traces formed on the dielectric substrate. P96020PCT - Application
A haptic feedback device is provided. The haptic feedback device may include a piezoelectric haptic actuator controller and at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator conductively coupled to the piezoelectric haptic actuator controller. Each piezoelectric haptic actuator may include a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a transversely opposed second surface and a tactor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the tactor including a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between a first surface of a first electrode and a first surface of a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode conductively coupled to respective conductive traces formed on the dielectric substrate.
A method of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate is provided. The method may include forming a patterned metal layer that includes a first electrode on a first surface of the dielectric substrate and depositing a piezoelectric layer on at least a portion of the first electrode. The method may further include depositing a second electrode on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form a tactor and electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to the printed circuit substrate.
A method of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate is provided. The method may include patterning a metal layer that includes a number of traces on the dielectric substrate and patterning a dielectric layer on at least a portion of the patterned metal layer. The method may further include forming a tactor on at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer by: depositing a piezoelectric layer proximate the at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer; depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer; depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor;
electrically conductively coupling the first electrode to a first of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate; and electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to a second of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate.
A system of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate is provided. The system may include a means for forming a patterned metal layer that includes a first electrode on a first surface of the dielectric substrate; a means for depositing a piezoelectric layer on at least a portion of the first electrode; a means for depositing a second electrode on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form a tactor; and a means for electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to the printed circuit substrate. P96020PCT - Application
A system of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate is provided. The method may include a means for patterning a metal layer that includes a number of traces on the dielectric substrate; a means for patterning a dielectric layer on at least a portion of the patterned metal layer; a means for forming a tactor on at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer that may include: a means for depositing a piezoelectric layer proximate the at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer; a means for depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer; a means for depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor; a means for electrically conductively coupling the first electrode to a first of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate; and a means for electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to a second of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a piezoelectric haptic actuation system 100 that includes an illustrative tactor 110 mounted on a dielectric substrate 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the tactor 110 may include one or more piezoelectric material layers 112 disposed at least partially between a first electrode 114, and a second electrode 116 such that the piezoelectric material layer 112 deflects in the presence of a voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116. The dielectric substrate 120 may contain at least one material having at least partially insulative properties - for example, a single or multi-layer substrate containing organic dielectric build up layers (epoxy- based resin with or without fillers, FR-4, etc.) and printed circuit traces. The dielectric substrate 120 may include a first surface 122 and a transversely opposed second surface 124. The dielectric substrate 120 includes one or more void spaces 130 formed in the first surface 122 and extending at least partially through the dielectric substrate. All or a portion of the one or more void spaces 130 may be disposed proximate at least a portion of the tactor 110. The one or more void spaces 130 permits the tactor 110 to oscillate upwardly and downwardly along an axis directed generally normal to the dielectric substrate 120.
In embodiments, the tactor 110 may be package-integrated component deposited or otherwise patterned onto a portion of the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120.
Although only a single representative tactor 110 is depicted in FIG. 1, any number of tactors 1 lOA-110η may be disposed in a regular or irregular pattern across all or a portion of either the first surface 122 and/or the second surface 124 of the dielectric substrate 120. In some P96020PCT - Application implementations, a plurality of tactors 1 lOA- 110η may populate all or a portion of the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120. In such implementations, the tactors 110 may be spaced at a distance sufficient to permit a user to identify the particular tactor 110 providing haptic feedback. In implementations, the spacing between adjacent tactors 110 may be about 2 millimeters (mm) or more; about 5mm or more; about 10mm or more; about 15mm or more; or about 20mm or more.
Each tactorl 10 includes at least one piezoelectric material layer 112, disposed, at least in part, proximate at least one first electrode 114 that may be electrically conductively coupled to a conductor disposed in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120. Additionally, the at least one piezoelectric material layer 112 may be disposed, at least in part, proximate at least one second electrode 116 that may be electrically conductively coupled to a conductor disposed in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120. Although the tactor 110 is depicted in a vertical stack configuration in the piezoelectric haptic actuation system 100 depicted in FIG. 1, other physical configurations are possible and should be considered within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the tactor 110 may be disposed in a horizontal stack configuration in which some or all of the piezoelectric material layers 112, the first electrode 114, and/or the second electrode 116 are all disposed proximate at least a portion of the dielectric substrate 120 (see, e.g., FIGs 5 and 6).
In embodiments, the first electrode 114 may be disposed in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120. For example, the first electrode 114 may include all or a portion of one or more traces or similar conductive structures disposed in, on, or about the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120. Although not depicted in FIG. 1, in other embodiments, one or more insulative or dielectric layers may be positioned between the first electrode 114 and the dielectric substrate 120. In some implementations, all or a portion of the first electrode 114 may include a plurality of electrodes that, collectively, form the respective portion of the first electrode 114. In embodiments, the first electrode 114 may be deposited, patterned, sputtered, electroplated, or otherwise positioned on some or all of the dielectric substrate 120. In some implementations, the first electrode 114 may be electrically conductively coupled to one or more traces or conductors in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120.
The piezoelectric material layer 112 may include one or more current or future developed piezoelectric materials. Such piezoelectric materials may include any single material or P96020PCT - Application combination of materials capable of undergoing a physical deformation when placed in an electric field created by applying a voltage differential across the piezoelectric material. Some or all of the piezoelectric layer 112 may be deposited, patterned, sputtered, electroplated, printed, screen printed, or otherwise positioned on some or all of the first electrode 114. Example piezoelectric materials include, but are not limited to, quartz (S1O2); Berlinite (A1P04); Gallium orthophosphate (GaPC ); Tourmaline; Barium titanate (BaTi03); Zinc oxide (ZnO); Aluminum nitride (A1N); Polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF); Lithium titanate; Lanthanum gallium silicate; Potassium sodium tartrate; Potassium niobium oxide (KNb03); Barium sodium niobium oxide (Ba2NaNbs05); Lithium niobium oxide (LiNb03); Strontium titanate (SrTi03); Lead zirconate titanate (Pb(ZnTi)03); Lithium tantalum oxide (LiTa03); and Bismuth ferrous oxide (BiFe03).
In embodiments, the second electrode 116 may be disposed proximate all or a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112. In some implementations, all or a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112 may separate the second electrode 116 from the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120. Although not depicted in FIG. 1, in other embodiments, one or more insulative or dielectric substrate layers may be positioned between the second electrode 116 and the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120. In some implementations, all or a portion of the second electrode 116 may include a plurality of electrodes that, collectively, form the respective portion of the second electrode 116. In embodiments, the second electrode 116 may be deposited, patterned, sputtered, electroplated, printed, or otherwise positioned on some or all of the piezoelectric layer 112. In some implementations, the second electrode 116 may be electrically conductively coupled to one or more traces or conductors in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120.
The dielectric substrate 120 may include any number and/or combination of any current or future developed insulative or dielectric materials. The dielectric substrate 120 may include a first surface 122 and a transversely opposed second surface 124. In some implementations, all or a portion of the dielectric substrate 120 may include a single layer or multi-layer printed circuit board substrate. In some implementations, all or a portion of the dielectric substrate 120 may include a rigid sheet or member. In some implementations, all or a portion of the dielectric substrate 120 may include a flexible sheet or member. The dielectric substrate 120 may have any physical shape, size, or configuration. In some implementations, the dielectric substrate 120 may include any number of traces, vias, and similar conductive structures to provide one or more P96020PCT - Application electrically conductive circuits. The dielectric substrate 120 may include any number and/or combination of surface mount or through-hole electrical components and/or semiconductor devices.
In operation, application of a positive voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 causes a physical deformation of the piezoelectric layer 112, thereby causing the tactor 110 to deflect from a neutral position (with no voltage bias) to a first position (with a [+] voltage bias). Removal of the positive voltage bias causes the tactor 110 to return to the neutral position. On the other hand, a reversal of the voltage bias (i.e., imposition of a negative voltage bias) causes the tactor 110 to deflect to a second position (with a [-] voltage bias) that may be in a direction opposite the first position. Switching the voltage bias (i.e., from a neutral-positive bias-neutral) at one or more frequencies may cause the tactor 110 to oscillate between the neutral position and the first position at the one or more switching frequencies. Similarly, switching the voltage bias (i.e., from a positive bias-negative bias-positive bias) at one or more frequencies may causes the tactor 110 to oscillate between the first position and the second position at the one or more switching frequencies. Such oscillations may be felt as a physical displacement of the user's skin (i.e., haptic feedback) when the piezoelectric haptic actuation system 100 is positioned proximate the user's skin.
The dielectric substrate 120 includes a void space 130, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations, all or a portion of the tactor 110 may be disposed proximate a void space 130 formed in the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120. The presence of the void space 130 beneficially permits the deflection of the tactor 110 in both an upwards and a downwards direction as the voltage bias applied to the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 is switched from a positive bias to a negative bias.
The void space 130 may be formed in the dielectric substrate using any number of processes, procedures, and/or technologies. In one example, all or a portion of the void space 130 may be formed using a laminated dielectric structure in which at least a portion of the uppermost layers of forming the laminated dielectric include an aperture in the area occupied by the void space. Such construction advantageously reduces or even eliminates the need to remove dielectric material. In other examples, all or a portion of the void space 130 may be formed by removing dielectric material from the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120 positioned beneath all or a portion of the tactor 110. Such material may be removed using any material P96020PCT - Application removal technology, such as mechanical abrasion, laser ablation, wet etching, dry etching (e.g. reactive ion etching), etc.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative device 200 that includes a number of piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100A-100F disposed in, on, or about the device, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although depicted as disposed on a portion of a smartwatch band 202 in FIG 2, any number of piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may be disposed in, on, or about any clothing, article, accessory, wearable computer, or device capable of being placed in contact with a skin surface of a user. In embodiments, each of the piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 and/or combinations of piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may provide the user with different alerts, alarms, indications, or notifications. Using the smartwatch band 202 as an example, alerts may be defined within the smartwatch or a communicably coupled device such as a smartphone such that piezoelectric haptic actuation system 100A actuates in response to a calendar event; piezoelectric haptic actuation system 100B actuates in response to an incoming text message; piezoelectric haptic actuation system lOOC actuates in response to an incoming email message; and a combination of piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100B and lOOC actuates in response to an incoming telephone call.
Each of the piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may have an operating frequency (e.g. , the vibration frequency) of from about 1 hertz (Hz) to about 200 Hz. In some
implementations, the some or all of the piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may selectively operate at one of a number of frequencies within the defined range, with each of the operating frequencies representing a different alert or a different alert level. For example, an email or text message designated as urgent may cause piezoelectric haptic actuation system 100A to operate at a low frequency (e.g. , 50 Hz) upon receipt of the message; an intermediate frequency (e.g., 100 Hz) if the message is not read after 5 minutes; and a high frequency (e.g. , 200 Hz) if the message is not read after 10 minutes.
Each of the piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may have an operating
displacement (e.g. , the vibration amplitude) of from about 10 micrometers (μιη) to about 200 μηι. In some implementations, the some or all of the piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may selectively operate at one of a number of operating displacements within the defined range, with each of the operating displacements representing a different alert or a different alert level. P96020PCT - Application
For example, an incoming telephone call received from an unknown party may cause a small displacement such as 50 μιη; an incoming telephone call from a friend may cause an
intermediate displacement such as 100 μιη; and an incoming telephone call from a family member may cause a large displacement such as 200 μιη.
The two-point discrimination threshold for discriminating between two neighboring piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 is approximately 2 millimeters (mm) at the fingertip. The discrimination threshold varies with location on the human body. To provide spacing sufficient for the system user to distinguish between piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100, neighboring piezoelectric haptic actuation systems 100 may be spaced a distance 204 of about 2 mm or more; about 3 mm or more; about 5 mm or more; about 10 mm or more; about 15 mm or more; or about 20 mm or more.
FIG. 3A is a plan view of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 300 that includes a number of tactors 1 lOA-110D physically attached and conductively coupled to a multi-layer dielectric substrate 120 that includes a void space 130, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a cross- sectional elevation of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 300 depicted in FIG. 3A along sectional line A- A', in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a cross- sectional elevation of one illustrative tactor 110 that tethers a central member 302 to the multilayer dielectric substrate 120 as depicted in FIGs 3A and 3B along sectional line B-B ', in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
The substrate 120 may include a multi-layer laminated substrate 120 containing a first dielectric layer 120A, a first metal layer 322 formed, printed, patterned, electroplated, or otherwise deposited onto layer 120A, a second dielectric layer 120B, and a second metal layer 324 formed, printed, patterned, electroplated, or otherwise deposited onto layer 120B. Although only two metal layers and two dielectric layers are depicted in FIG 3B, any number of layers may be similarly formed to provide all or a portion of the dielectric substrate 120. A number of structures, such as a number of vias 308 may electrically conductively couple one or more traces in the first metal layer 322 to one or more traces or similar structures in the second metal layer 324.
The tactors 1 lOA-110D are physically coupled to a member 302. In some
implementations, at least one electrode (e.g., the first electrode 114) and the member 302 may be P96020PCT - Application formed or otherwise patterned into a metal layer (e.g. , the second metal layer 324) in a multilayer dielectric substrate 120. In some implementations, the member 302 may be positioned at approximately the center point of the void 130, and each of the tactors 110 physically coupled to the member 302 may be approximately the same length. In other implementations, the member 302 may be positioned at off-center above the void 130, and at least two of the tactors 110 physically coupled to the member 302 may have different lengths. In some implementations, the member 302 may be omitted and similar length tactors 1 lOA- 110D may be physically coupled together at approximately the center point of the void 130. In other implementations, the member 302 may be omitted and different length tactors 1 lOA- 110D may be physically coupled together at an off-center above the void 130. The tactors 1 lOA-110D are physically attached and electrically coupled to the dielectric substrate 120. When present, the tactors 110A-110D physically attach and may electrically couple the member 302 to one or more traces, contacts, or pads disposed in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120.
Each tactor 1 lOA- 110D includes a respective piezoelectric layer 112A- 112D, a respective first electrode 114A-114D and a respective second electrode 116A-116D. Although the four tactors 1 lOA-110D are depicted in FIG. 3A as straight members, any number, size, shape, or geometry of tactors 110 may be used. Although the member 302 is depicted in FIG. 3A as a disk, the member 302 may have any size, shape, or geometry. FIG. 3C provides a sectional view of a typical tactor 110. In embodiments such as depicted in FIGs 3A and 3B, a via 308 physically anchors and conductively couples each respective one of the first electrodes
114A-114D to a trace, pad, or similar structure in the first metal layer 322. In the embodiments depicted in FIGs 3 A and 3B, each one of the second electrodes 116A-116D may be conductively coupled to a respective trace, pad or similar structure 306A-306D.
In some implementations, all or a portion of each of the first electrodes 114A-114D and the member 302 may be deposited, patterned, sputtered, electroplated, printed, or otherwise formed using at least a portion of the second metal layer 324. In some implementations, after forming the first electrodes 114A- 114D and the member 302, at least a portion of the dielectric material may be removed from the second dielectric layer 120B thereby forming all or a portion of the void space 130 beneath the tactor 110. In some implementations, the member 302 may be perforated or otherwise contain a number of slots, apertures, or other features facilitating or P96020PCT - Application permitting the removal of dielectric material from the second dielectric layer 120B by
mechanical abrasion, laser ablation, or chemical etching.
In operation, a voltage bias may be applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 in each of the tactors 110. The application of a positive voltage bias causes a displacement of the tactors 1 lOA-110D, thereby causing a displacement of the member 302 from a neutral position (i.e., a position assumed by the tactor in the absence of a voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116) to a first position (i.e., a position assumed by the tactor in the presence of a positive voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116). In embodiments, the voltage bias applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 in each of the tactors 110 may be reduced, removed, or reversed in polarity at one or more frequencies.
In instances where the voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 is switched between the full positive voltage bias and a reduced positive voltage bias at one or more switching frequencies, the tactor 110 may transition between the first position and a second position having a displacement somewhere between the neutral position and the displacement when the tactor 110 is in the first position at the one or more frequencies.
In instances where the voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 is switched between the full positive voltage bias and zero voltage bias at one or more switching frequencies, the tactor 110 may transition between the first position and the neutral position at the one or more frequencies.
In instances where the voltage bias between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 is switched between the full positive voltage bias and a full negative voltage bias at one or more switching frequencies, the tactor 110 may transition between the first position at full positive voltage bias and a second position at full negative voltage bias at the one or more frequencies.
The force exerted on the member 302 is the sum of the forces exerted by the tactors 1 lOA-110η physically coupled to the member 302. The switching frequency of the bias voltage applied to the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 determines the frequency output of the haptic actuator.
FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional elevation of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 300 depicted in FIGs 3A-3C where the piezoelectric haptic actuation system 300 is at P96020PCT - Application least partially covered by an elastomeric membrane 350 and disposed on a multi-layer dielectric substrate 120 including a void space 130, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations, an elastomeric coating 350 may be disposed over at least a portion of the piezoelectric haptic actuation system 300. In such embodiments, the tactors 1 lOA-110D may be displaced when a voltage bias is applied however the elastomeric membrane 350 prevents the tactor 110 from directly contacting the user's skin. Such an arrangement may beneficially reduce or even eliminate oxidation or corrosion of the second metal layer 324 and/or the tactor 110 by preventing moisture or other gases in the environment or contaminants on the user's skin from contacting the tactor 110. Such an arrangement may also beneficially reduce or even eliminate skin irritation or damage caused by direct contact with the tactor 110.
FIG. 4A provides a cross- sectional elevation of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 400 having one or more tactors 110 coupled to a multi-layer dielectric substrate 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B provides a partial cross-section of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 400 depicted in FIG. 4 A along section line A- A', in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 may be physically attached and conductively coupled to traces, pads, or similar conductive elements in the second metal layer 324. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4A, the first electrode 114 may be physically attached and conductively coupled to a first trace, pad, or similar structure 324B in the second metal layer 324 and the second electrode 116 may be physically attached and
conductively coupled to a first trace, pad, or similar structure 324A in the second metal layer 324.
In some implementations, the second metal layer 324 may provide all or a portion of the first electrode 114. In other implementations, an insulative layer, such as a passivation layer 410 may be disposed between at least a portion of the second metal layer 324 and the first electrode 114. Such may be advantageous, for example, where it is desirable to electrically isolate the first electrode 114 from at least a portion of the traces, conductors, pads, or other conductive structures in the second metal layer 324.
As depicted in FIG 4A and FIG 4B, when a positive voltage bias is applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116, the tactor 110 will be displaced along an axis P96020PCT - Application
420 normal to the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120 from a neutral position to a first position. When a negative voltage bias is applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116, the tactor 110 will be displaced along an axis 420 normal to the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120 from the neutral position to a second position.
FIG. 5A provides a plan view of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 500 having a horizontally displaceable tactor 110 mounted on a dielectric substrate 120 proximate a void space 130, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B provides a partial cross-section of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 500 depicted in FIG. 5A along section line Β-Ε , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the piezoelectric material 112, the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 may be disposed in the same horizontal plane as depicted in FIG 5 A and FIG 5B. In this horizontal configuration, the piezoelectric material 112, the first electrode 114, and the second electrode 116 may be disposed proximate a passivation layer 510 disposed on a surface of the metal layer 124 of the dielectric substrate 120. In some
implementations, each of the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 may be physically attached and conductively coupled to one or more metal traces, pads, conductors, or similar structures 322A and 322B, respectively, disposed in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120.
As depicted in FIG 5 A and FIG 5B, when a positive voltage bias is applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116, the tactor 110 may be horizontally displaced from a neutral position to a first position along axis 520. When a negative voltage bias is applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116, the tactor 110 may be horizontally displaced from the neutral position to a second position along axis 520.
FIG. 6A provides a plan view of an illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 600 that includes a tactor 110 mounted on a passivation layer 610 disposed on a first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B provides a partial cross-section of the illustrative piezoelectric haptic actuation system 600 depicted in FIG. 6A along section line C-C, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 may be disposed in the same horizontal plane where the first electrode 114 is interleaved with the second electrode 116 as depicted in FIG 6A and FIG 6B. The piezoelectric material layer 112 may be disposed above or below the layer containing the P96020PCT - Application electrodes 114 and 116, and proximate a passivation layer 610 disposed on a surface of the metal layer 324 of the dielectric substrate 120. The piezoelectric haptic actuation system 600 may be disposed proximate a void space 130 formed in the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate. In some implementations, each of the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 may be physically attached and conductively coupled to one or more metal traces, pads, conductors, or similar structures 324A and 324B, respectively, disposed in, on, or about the dielectric substrate 120.
As depicted in FIG 6A and FIG 6B, when a positive voltage bias is applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116, the tactor 110 may be vertically displaced from a neutral position to a first position along axis 620. When a negative voltage bias is applied between the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116, the tactor 110 may be vertically displaced from the neutral position to a second position along axis 620.
FIG. 7 provides a high-level block flow diagram of an illustrative method 700 of forming a piezoelectric haptic feedback system 100, 300, 400 that includes one or more tactors on a dielectric substrate 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 700 commences at 702.
At 704, a patterned metal layer 324 is formed on a first surface 122 of a dielectric substrate 120. In embodiments, the dielectric substrate 120 may include a printed circuit substrate that includes a single layer or multiple layers. The patterned metal layer 324 may include any number of conductors, traces, pads, or similar structures capable of providing a first electrode 114. The patterned metal layer 324 may be formed on the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120 using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies include, but are not limited to, sputtering, electroplating, electro-less plating, printing, or combinations thereof.
At 706, a piezoelectric layer 112 is deposited across at least a portion of the patterned metal layer 324 forming the first electrode 114. The piezoelectric layer 112 may include any current or future developed material capable of undergoing a physical deformation when a bias voltage is applied across the material. The piezoelectric layer 112 may be formed on the first electrode 114 using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies may include, but are not limited to, sputtering, evaporation, printing, or
combinations thereof. P96020PCT - Application
At 708, a second electrode 116 is deposited on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112. The second electrode 116 may have any size, shape, or physical configuration. The second electrode 116 may include one or more conductive metals, one or more conductive non-metals, or any combination thereof. The second electrode 116 may be formed on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies include, but are not limited to, sputtering, electroplating, electro-less plating, or combinations thereof. The completed first electrode/piezoelectric layer/second electrode may be referred to as a "tactor" that is fabricated by deposition of the various layers on a dielectric or printed circuit substrate.
At 710, the second electrode may be physically attached and electrically coupled to the patterned metal layer.
At 712, a portion of the dielectric substrate 120 proximate the tactor 110 may be removed from beneath the tactor 110 to provide a void space or cavity beneath the tactor 110. Such a void space beneficially permits the displacement of the tactor 110 in the vertical direction (e.g., away from or towards surface 122 in Figure 1). In some embodiments, the portion removed from the dielectric substrate 120 to create the void or cavity may be removed using any current or future developed material removal technique or technology. Example material removal technologies include, but are not limited to, mechanical abrasion, laser ablation, chemical etching (e.g. wet or dry etching), etc. The method 700 concludes at 714.
FIG. 8 provides a high-level block flow diagram of an illustrative method 800 of forming another piezoelectric haptic feedback system 500, 600 on a dielectric substrate 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 800 commences at 802.
At 804, a patterned metal layer 324 is formed on a first surface 122 of a dielectric substrate 120. In embodiments, the dielectric substrate 120 may include a printed circuit substrate that includes a single layer or multiple layers. The patterned metal layer 324 may include any number of conductors, traces, pads, or similar structures capable of providing a first electrode 114. The patterned metal layer may be formed on the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120 using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies include, but are not limited to, sputtering, electroplating, electro-less plating, printing, or combinations thereof. P96020PCT - Application
At 806, a passivation layer 510 is formed on all or a portion of the patterned metal layer 324 formed on the first surface 122 of the dielectric substrate 120. The passivation layer 510 may include one or more current or future developed insulative materials capable of electrically isolating the tactor 110 from the patterned metal layer 324.
At 808, a piezoelectric layer 112 is deposited across at least a portion of the passivation layer 510. The piezoelectric layer 112 may include any current or future developed material capable of undergoing a physical deflection when a bias voltage is applied across the material. The piezoelectric layer 112 may be formed on the passivation layer 510 using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies may include, but are not limited to, sputtering, evaporation, printing, or combinations thereof.
At 810, a first electrode 114 is deposited proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112. The first electrode 114 may have any size, shape, or physical configuration. The first electrode 114 may include one or more conductive metals, one or more conductive non-metals, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the first electrode 114 may be formed on at least a portion of the passivation layer 510 in a location proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112 using any current or future developed deposition technology. In other embodiments, the first electrode 114 may be formed on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112 using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies include, but are not limited to, sputtering, electroplating, electro-less plating, or combinations thereof.
At 812, a second electrode 116 is deposited proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112. The second electrode 116 may have any size, shape, or physical configuration. The second electrode 116 may include one or more conductive metals, one or more conductive non-metals, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the second electrode 116 may be formed on at least a portion of the passivation layer 510 in a location proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112 using any current or future developed deposition technology. In other embodiments, the second electrode 116 may be formed on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer 112 using any current or future developed deposition technology. Such deposition technologies include, but are not limited to, sputtering electroplating, electro-less plating, or combinations thereof.
At 814, the first electrode 114 may be physically attached and electrically coupled to a first trace, for example a first trace formed in the patterned metal layer 324. P96020PCT - Application
At 816, the second electrode 116 may be physically attached and electrically coupled to a second trace, for example a second trace formed in the patterned metal layer 324.
At 818, a portion of the dielectric substrate 120 proximate the tactor 110 may be removed from beneath the tactor 110 to provide a void space or cavity beneath the tactor 110. Such a void space beneficially permits the displacement of the tactor 110 in the vertical direction (e.g., along axis 620 in Figure 6) and/or the horizontal direction (e.g. , along axis 520 in figure 5A). In some embodiments, the portion removed from the dielectric layer 120 to create the void or cavity may be removed using any current or future developed material removal technology. Example material removal technologies include, but are not limited to, mechanical abrasion, laser ablation, chemical etching (e.g. wet or dry etching), etc. The method 800 concludes at 820.
Additionally, operations for the embodiments have been further described with reference to the above figures and accompanying examples. Some of the figures may include a logic flow. Although such figures presented herein may include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that the logic flow merely provides an example of how the general functionality described herein can be implemented. Further, the given logic flow does not necessarily have to be executed in the order presented unless otherwise indicated. In addition, the given logic flow may be
implemented by a hardware element, a software element executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. The embodiments are not limited to this context.
Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above- described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
As used in any embodiment herein, the term "module" may refer to software, firmware and/or circuitry configured to perform any of the aforementioned operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets and/or data recorded on non- transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or data that are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.
"Circuitry", as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise, for example, singly or in any P96020PCT - Application combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry such as computer processors comprising one or more individual instruction processing cores, state machine circuitry, and/or firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry. The modules may, collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc.
The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The following examples pertain to further embodiments. The following examples of the present disclosure may comprise subject material such as a device, a method, means for performing acts based on the method and/or a system for providing haptic actuation using a piezoelectric haptic actuator or tactor 110 formed on a dielectric substrate 120.
According to example 1, there is provided a piezoelectric haptic actuator system. The system may include a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a transversely opposed second surface and a tactor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the tactor including a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between a first surface of a first electrode and a first surface of a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode conductively coupled to respective conductive traces formed on the dielectric substrate. P96020PCT - Application
Example 2 may include elements of example 1 where the dielectric substrate may include a printed circuit substrate having at least one layer that may include a number of conductive traces.
Example 3 may include elements of example 2 where the first electrode may include at least one of the number of conductive traces formed on the printed circuit substrate.
Example 4 may include elements of example 2 where the printed circuit substrate may at least partially define a void space formed in a first surface of the printed circuit substrate and extending at least partially through the printed substrate and where the tactor is disposed proximate at least a portion of the void space formed in the first surface of the printed circuit substrate.
Example 5 may include elements of example 4 where the first electrode may include at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit substrate and at least partially spanning the void space.
Example 6 may include elements of example 4, and may additionally include at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit substrate and at least partially spanning the void space. The system may further include an electrically insulative layer disposed proximate a second surface of the first electrode, the second surface of the first electrode opposite the first surface of the first electrode where the electrically insulative layer is disposed between the first electrode and the at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace.
Example 7 may include elements of example 1, and may additionally include an electrically insulative layer disposed between the tactor and the printed circuit substrate where at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the second electrode and at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer are disposed proximate at least a portion of the electrically insulative layer.
Example 8 may include elements of example 1, and may additionally include an electrically insulative layer disposed between the printed circuit substrate and the tactor, where a first surface of the piezoelectric layer is disposed proximate the electrically insulative layer and where the first electrode and the second electrode comprise alternating interleaved conductive members disposed proximate a second surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second surface of the piezoelectric layer disposed transversely opposite the first surface of the piezoelectric layer. P96020PCT - Application
Example 9 may include elements of any of examples 2 through 8 where the printed circuit substrate comprises a flexible printed circuit substrate.
Example 10 may include elements of any of examples 1 through 8, and may additionally include an elastomeric layer disposed over at least a portion of the piezoelectric stack.
According to example 11, there is provided a haptic feedback device, comprising:
a piezoelectric haptic actuator controller and at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator
conductively coupled to the piezoelectric haptic actuator controller. Each piezoelectric haptic actuator may include a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a transversely opposed second surface and a tactor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the tactor including a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between a first surface of a first electrode and a first surface of a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode conductively coupled to respective conductive traces formed on the dielectric substrate.
Example 12 may include elements of example 11 where the dielectric substrate comprises a printed circuit substrate having at least one layer that includes a number of conductive traces.
Example 13 may include elements of example 12 where the first electrode comprises at least one of the number of conductive traces formed on the printed circuit substrate.
Example 14 may include elements of example 12 where the printed circuit substrate comprises a flexible printed circuit substrate.
Example 15 may include elements of example 11 where the haptic actuator controller causes the at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator to oscillate at one or more frequencies between 1 Hertz to 200 Hertz.
Example 16 may include elements of example 11 where the haptic actuator controller causes each piezoelectric haptic actuator to oscillate through a displacement between 10 micrometers and 200 micrometers.
Example 17 may include elements of example 11 where the at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator comprises a plurality of piezoelectric haptic actuators and where the plurality of piezoelectric haptic actuators form a two-dimensional matrix having a minimum of 2 millimeters spacing between piezoelectric haptic actuators.
Example 18 may include elements of example 11 where the dielectric substrate at least partially defines a void space formed in a first surface of the dielectric substrate extending at P96020PCT - Application least partially through the printed substrate and where the tactor is disposed proximate at least a portion of the void space formed in the first surface of the dielectric substrate.
Example 19 may include elements of example 18 where the first electrode comprises at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate and at least partially spanning the void space.
Example 20 may include elements of example 18, and may additionally include at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate and at least partially spanning the void space and an electrically insulative layer disposed proximate a second surface of the first electrode, the second surface of the first electrode opposite the first surface of the first electrode, where the electrically insulative layer is disposed between the first electrode and the at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace.
Example 21 may include elements of example 11, and may additionally include an electrically insulative layer disposed between the tactor and the printed circuit substrate where at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the second electrode and at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer are disposed proximate at least a portion of the electrically insulative layer.
Example 22 may include elements of example 11, and may additionally include an electrically insulative layer disposed between the dielectric substrate and the tactor where a first surface of the piezoelectric layer is disposed proximate the electrically insulative layer and where the first electrode and the second electrode comprise alternating interleaved conductive members disposed proximate a second surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second surface of the piezoelectric layer disposed transversely opposite the first surface of the piezoelectric layer.
Example 23 may include elements of any of examples 11 through 22, and may additionally include an elastomeric layer disposed over at least a portion of the tactor.
Example 24 may include elements of any of examples 12 through 22 where the first electrode comprises a metal layer deposited on the printed circuit substrate.
According to example 25, there is provided a method of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate. The method may include forming a patterned metal layer that includes a first electrode on a first surface of the dielectric substrate and depositing a piezoelectric layer on at least a portion of the first electrode. The method may further include depositing a second P96020PCT - Application electrode on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form a tactor and electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to the printed circuit substrate.
Example 26 may include elements of example 25, and may additionally include forming a void space on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the void space proximate at least a portion of the first electrode of the tactor.
Example 27 may include elements of example 25 where patterning a metal layer on the printed circuit substrate may include forming and patterning a first metal layer between a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer of the printed circuit substrate and forming the patterned metal layer on the first surface of the second dielectric layer of the printed circuit substrate.
Example 28 may include elements of any of examples 25 through 27 where patterning a metal layer on the first surface of the dielectric substrate may include forming and patterning a metal layer on the first surface of a flexible dielectric substrate.
Example 29 may include elements of any of examples 25 through 27, and may additionally include disposing an elastomeric layer over at least a portion of the tactor.
According to example 30, there is provided a method of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate. The method may include patterning a metal layer that includes a number of traces on the dielectric substrate and patterning a dielectric layer on at least a portion of the patterned metal layer. The method may further include forming a tactor on at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer by: depositing a piezoelectric layer proximate the at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer; depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer; depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor; electrically conductively coupling the first electrode to a first of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate; and electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to a second of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate.
Example 31 may include elements of example 30 where depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer may include depositing the first electrode proximate at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer and proximate at least a portion of a first surface of the piezoelectric layer and where depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor may include depositing the second electrode proximate at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer and proximate at least a portion of a P96020PCT - Application second surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second surface of the piezoelectric layer transversely opposed to the first surface of the piezoelectric layer.
Example 32 may include elements of example 30 where depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer may include depositing the first electrode proximate at least a portion of a first surface of the piezoelectric layer, the first electrode including a plurality of spaced conductive nodes; and where depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor may include depositing the second electrode proximate at least a portion of the first surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second electrode including a plurality of spaced conductive nodes interleaved with the spaced conductive nodes of the first electrode.
According to example 33, there is provided a system of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate. The system may include a means for forming a patterned metal layer that includes a first electrode on a first surface of the dielectric substrate; a means for depositing a piezoelectric layer on at least a portion of the first electrode; a means for depositing a second electrode on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form a tactor; and a means for electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to the printed circuit substrate.
Example 34 may include elements of example 33, and may additionally include a means for forming a void space on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the void space proximate at least a portion of the first electrode of the tactor.
Example 35 may include elements of example 33 where the means for patterning a metal layer on the printed circuit substrate may include a means for patterning a first metal layer laminated between a first printed circuit substrate layer and a second printed substrate layer and a means for forming the patterned metal layer on the first surface of the second printed substrate layer.
Example 36 may include elements of any of examples 33 through 35 where the means for patterning a metal layer on the first surface of the dielectric substrate may include a means for patterning a metal layer on the first surface of a flexible dielectric substrate.
Example 37 may include elements of any of examples 33 through 35, and may additionally include a means for disposing an elastomeric layer over at least a portion of the tactor. P96020PCT - Application
According to example 38, there is provided a system of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate, the method may include a means for patterning a metal layer that includes a number of traces on the dielectric substrate; a means for patterning a dielectric layer on at least a portion of the patterned metal layer; a means for forming a tactor on at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer that may include: a means for depositing a piezoelectric layer proximate the at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer; a means for depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer; a means for depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor; a means for electrically conductively coupling the first electrode to a first of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate; and a means for electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to a second of the number of traces patterned onto the dielectric substrate.
Example 39 may include elements of example 38 where the means for depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer may include a means for depositing the first electrode proximate at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer and proximate at least a portion of a first surface of the piezoelectric layer and where the means for depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor may include a means for depositing the second electrode proximate at least a portion of the patterned dielectric layer and proximate at least a portion of a second surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second surface of the piezoelectric layer transversely opposed to the first surface of the piezoelectric layer.
Example 40 may include elements of example 38 where the means for depositing a first electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer may include a means for depositing the first electrode proximate at least a portion of a first surface of the piezoelectric layer, the first electrode including a plurality of spaced conductive nodes and where the means for depositing a second electrode proximate at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form the tactor may include a means for depositing the second electrode proximate at least a portion of the first surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second electrode including a plurality of spaced conductive nodes interleaved with the spaced conductive nodes of the first electrode.
The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions P96020PCT - Application thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

Claims

P96020PCT - Application WHAT IS CLAIMED:
1. A piezoelectric haptic actuator system, comprising:
a dielectric substrate that includes a first surface, a transversely opposed second surface, and a void space formed in a first surface that extends at least partially through the dielectric substrate; and
a tactor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the tactor including a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between a first surface of a first electrode and a first surface of a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode conductively coupled to respective conductive traces formed on the dielectric substrate;
wherein the tactor is disposed proximate at least a portion of the void space formed in the first surface of the dielectric substrate.
2. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of claim 1 wherein the dielectric substrate comprises a printed circuit substrate having at least one layer that includes a number of conductive traces.
3. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of claim 2 wherein the first electrode comprises at least one of the number of conductive traces formed on the printed circuit substrate.
4. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of claim 2 wherein the first electrode comprises at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit substrate and at least partially spanning the void space.
5. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of claim 2, further comprising:
at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace disposed on the first surface of the printed circuit substrate and at least partially spanning the void space; and
an electrically insulative layer disposed proximate a second surface of the first electrode, the second surface of the first electrode opposite the first surface of the first electrode;
wherein the electrically insulative layer is disposed between the first electrode and the at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace. P96020PCT - Application
6. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of claim 1, further comprising:
an electrically insulative layer disposed between the tactor and the printed circuit substrate;
wherein at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the second electrode and at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer are disposed proximate at least a portion of the electrically insulative layer.
7. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of claim 1, further comprising an electrically insulative layer disposed between the printed circuit substrate and the tactor;
wherein a first surface of the piezoelectric layer is disposed proximate the electrically insulative layer; and
wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise alternating interleaved conductive members disposed proximate a second surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second surface of the piezoelectric layer disposed transversely opposite the first surface of the piezoelectric layer.
8. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of any of claims 2 through 7 wherein the printed circuit substrate comprises a flexible printed circuit substrate.
9. The piezoelectric haptic actuator system of any of claims 1 through 7, further comprising an elastomeric layer disposed over at least a portion of the piezoelectric stack.
10. A haptic feedback device, comprising:
a piezoelectric haptic actuator controller; and
at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator conductively coupled to the piezoelectric haptic actuator controller, each piezoelectric haptic actuator including:
a dielectric substrate that includes a first surface, a transversely opposed second surface, and a void space formed in a first surface that extends at least partially through the dielectric substrate; and P96020PCT - Application a tactor formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the tactor including a piezoelectric layer at least partially disposed between a first surface of a first electrode and a first surface of a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode conductively coupled to respective conductive traces formed on the dielectric substrate;
wherein the tactor is disposed proximate at least a portion of the void space formed in the first surface of the dielectric substrate.
11. The haptic feedback device of claim 10 wherein the dielectric substrate comprises a printed circuit substrate having at least one layer that includes a number of conductive traces.
12. The haptic feedback device of claim 11 wherein the first electrode comprises at least one of the number of conductive traces formed on the printed circuit substrate.
13. The haptic feedback device of claim 11 wherein the printed circuit substrate comprises a flexible printed circuit substrate.
14. The haptic feedback device of claim 10 wherein the haptic actuator controller causes the at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator to oscillate at one or more frequencies between 1 Hertz to 200 Hertz.
15. The haptic feedback device of claim 10 wherein the haptic actuator controller causes each piezoelectric haptic actuator to oscillate through a displacement between 10 micrometers and 200 micrometers.
16. The haptic feedback device of claim 10:
wherein the at least one piezoelectric haptic actuator comprises a plurality of
piezoelectric haptic actuators; and
wherein the plurality of piezoelectric haptic actuators form a two-dimensional matrix having a minimum of 2 millimeters spacing between piezoelectric haptic actuators. P96020PCT - Application
17. The haptic feedback device of claim 16 wherein the first electrode comprises at least one, flexible, electrically conductive trace formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate and at least partially spanning the void space.
18. The haptic feedback device of claim 16, further comprising:
at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate and at least partially spanning the void space; and
an electrically insulative layer disposed proximate a second surface of the first electrode, the second surface of the first electrode opposite the first surface of the first electrode;
wherein the electrically insulative layer is disposed between the first electrode and the at least one, moveable, electrically conductive trace.
19. The haptic feedback device of claim 10, further comprising:
an electrically insulative layer disposed between the tactor and the printed circuit substrate;
wherein at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the second electrode and at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer are disposed proximate at least a portion of the electrically insulative layer.
20. The haptic feedback device of claim 10, further comprising an electrically insulative layer disposed between the dielectric substrate and the tactor;
wherein a first surface of the piezoelectric layer is disposed proximate the electrically insulative layer; and
wherein the first electrode and the second electrode comprise alternating interleaved conductive members disposed proximate a second surface of the piezoelectric layer, the second surface of the piezoelectric layer disposed transversely opposite the first surface of the piezoelectric layer.
21. The haptic feedback device of any of claims 10 through 20, further comprising an elastomeric layer disposed over at least a portion of the tactor. P96020PCT - Application
22. The haptic feedback device of any of claims 11 through 20 wherein the first electrode comprises a metal layer deposited on the printed circuit substrate.
23. A method of forming a haptic actuator on a dielectric substrate, the method comprising:
forming a patterned metal layer that includes a first electrode on a first surface of the dielectric substrate;
depositing a piezoelectric layer on at least a portion of the first electrode;
depositing a second electrode on at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer to form a tactor;
electrically conductively coupling the second electrode to the printed circuit substrate; and
forming a void space on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, the void space proximate at least a portion of the first electrode.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein patterning a metal layer on the printed circuit substrate comprises:
forming and patterning a first metal layer between a first dielectric substrate layer and a second dielectric substrate layer of the printed circuit substrate; and
forming the patterned metal layer on the first surface of the second dielectric layer of the printed circuit substrate.
25. The method of any of claims 23 or 24 wherein patterning a metal layer on the first surface of the dielectric substrate comprises:
patterning a metal layer on the first surface of a flexible dielectric substrate.
PCT/US2016/022877 2016-03-17 2016-03-17 Package integrated piezoelectric haptic actuators WO2017160296A1 (en)

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