Rotary haptic device solutions using a conical dielectric elastomer actuator

摘要

The Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (DEA) has garnered significant attention as an emerging electromechanical transducer across a variety of applications, including soft robotics, artificial muscles, loudspeakers, and haptic devices, among others. Researchers have explored and fabricated diverse DEA configurations to enhance their actuation forces and responses. The conical DEA construction involves pre-stretching the elastomer layer using two concentric circular rings in an out-of-plane direction, enabling the device to expand further vertically upon electrical stimulation. This study focuses on configuring a conical DEA to produce adaptive haptic feedback for a rotary knob, a component commonly utilized in automotive interiors, such as radio volume or air conditioning controls. Traditional knob designs employ a coil spring with a fixed constant to deliver predefined torque feedback during rotation without any capability to offer different haptic feeling. To overcome this limitation, a conical DEA has been fabricated, integrated with a knob, and validated with an analytical model. By manipulating the driving voltage's amplitude, frequency, and waveform, the DEA-enhanced knob can generate varied torque profiles, offering distinct detents and tactile sensations. This innovative approach in automotive applications presents the opportunity to outfit the dashboard with a single knob for multiple functions, each with unique haptic performance.