The integration of novel EAP-based Braille cells for use in a refreshable tactile display

N. Di Spigna; P. Chakraborti; D. Winick; P. Yang; T. Ghosh; P. Franzon

doi:10.1117/12.847666

9 April 2010 The integration of novel EAP-based Braille cells for use in a refreshable tactile display

N. Di Spigna, P. Chakraborti, D. Winick, P. Yang, T. Ghosh, P. Franzon

Proceedings Volume 7642, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2010; 76420A (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847666
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Structures demonstrating the viability of both the hydraulic and latching Braille dot, and the dielectric elastomer fiber Braille dot have been fabricated and characterized. A hydraulic proof-of-concept structure has achieved the necessary volumetric change required to lift a Braille dot over 0.5mm at voltages under 1000V and at speeds under 100ms. Long bimorphs have been fabricated that demonstrate large tip displacements over 2mm that could be used to mechanically latch the Braille rod in the 'up' position to achieve the force requirement. The addition of radial prestrain in dielectric elastomer tubes has reduced the wall thickness and directed the strain in the axial direction which has had a dramatic impact on their resulting characteristics. The required bias voltage for the dielectric elastomer fiber Braille dot has been reduced from 15.5kV to 8.75kV while the Braille head tip displacement of a fabricated prototype has almost tripled on average and now also exceeds the required displacement for a refreshable Braille display. Finally, potential solutions to the current shortcomings of both designs in meeting all of the requirements for such a display are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

N. Di Spigna, P. Chakraborti, D. Winick, P. Yang, T. Ghosh, and P. Franzon "The integration of novel EAP-based Braille cells for use in a refreshable tactile display", Proc. SPIE 7642, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2010, 76420A (9 April 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847666

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