Development of Haptic Button Based on Electro Active Polymer Actuator

Abstract In this paper, we present the study of haptic circular buttons, providing force restitution or vibration sensations when they are touched by the user. A FEM (finite element method) model was developed, to predict the frequency and the displacement amplitude at resonant modes of a circular membrane actuated with Electro Active Polymer (EAP). Demonstrators were built using polymer technologies. Characterization results, in good agreement with FEM and analytical models, prove the generation of a haptic effect. By touching the surface, vibrations are clearly felt.