Patent classifications
F03G7/015
Systems and methods of generating low-frequency and persistent haptics using low-voltage and high-pressure flexible electroosmotic actuators
An electroosmotic actuator configured to generate a haptic response is described. The electroosmotic actuator includes a flexible structure with a non-zero thickness less than 2 millimeters (mm) configured to be worn on a portion of a user's body. The flexible structure includes a flexible printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes, a fluid-filled reservoir, individually-controlled pouches in fluid communication with the fluid-filled reservoir, a respective individually-controlled pouch associated with two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, fluid from the fluid-filled reservoir moves into the respective individually-controlled pouch of the individually-controlled pouches when a non-zero voltage (V) less than 700 V is provided to the two electrodes by a power source coupled to the flexible printed circuit board, thereby causing haptic feedback to be provided to the portion of the user's body on which the flexible structure is worn.