Abstract: A system includes a wearable device configured to be worn by a user. The wearable device includes a flexible mounting, and a haptic output device connected to the flexible mounting. The system includes a signal generator configured to generate a haptic signal and communicate the haptic signal to the haptic output device. The haptic signal includes a short duration control pulse configured to create a small deformation sensation to the user.

Abstract: A system includes a wearable device configured to be worn by a user. The wearable device includes a flexible mounting, and a haptic output device connected to the flexible mounting. The system includes a signal generator configured to generate a haptic signal and communicate the haptic signal to the haptic output device. The haptic signal includes a short duration control pulse configured to create a small deformation sensation to the user.

Abstract: A system includes a wearable device configured to be worn by a user. The wearable device includes a flexible mounting, and a haptic output device connected to the flexible mounting. The system includes a signal generator configured to generate a haptic signal and communicate the haptic signal to the haptic output device. The haptic signal includes a short duration control pulse configured to create a small deformation sensation to the user.

Abstract: A system that includes an actuator amplification apparatus and a push pull actuator disposed on or within the actuator amplification apparatus. The actuator amplification apparatus is configured to receive a push pull actuator. The actuator amplification apparatus includes a body fixture configured to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a fixed mass, an output interface to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a moving mass, and an integral amplification mechanism. The integral amplification mechanism of the actuator amplification apparatus amplifies a force output by the push pull actuator to the moving mass. The integral amplification mechanism includes a plurality of linkages or an integral lever arm. The actuator amplification apparatus may include stabilizers configured to limit movement of the push pull actuator. In an embodiment, the fixed mass is a dashboard frame of an automobile and the moving mass is a floating haptic touch screen assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension system is disclosed for use in mounting an electronic touch screen. The magnetic suspension system may be designed to provide more or less movement in any direction, i.e., along the x-axis, the y-axis, and/or the z-axis, depending upon the application. The magnetic suspension system includes a first programmable magnet coupled to a first body and a second programmable magnet coupled to a second body. The programmable magnets simultaneously repel and attract each other in a nominal configuration such that the second body is suspended a programmed spaced-apart distance from the first body. The programmable magnets also allow movement between the first and second bodies in reaction to a force applied to the second body by a haptic actuator with a programmed spring force such that the first and second bodies return to the nominal configuration when no force is applied to the second body.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein include a housing component, a touch screen, a haptic actuator for moving the touch screen relative to the housing component, and at least one dual stiffness suspension system that couples the touch screen and housing component together such that the touch screen is movable relative to the housing component. The dual stiffness suspension system has a first element of a first stiffness and a second element of a second stiffness which is stiffer than the first stiffness. The dual stiffness suspension system is configured to limit movement between the touch screen and the housing component in a first direction due to the first element of the dual stiffness suspension system while also being configured to allow movement of the touch screen relative to the housing component in a second opposing direction due to the second element of the dual stiffness suspension system.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension system is disclosed for use in mounting an electronic touch screen. The magnetic suspension system may be designed to provide more or less movement in any direction, i.e., along the x-axis, the y-axis, and/or the z-axis, depending upon the application. The magnetic suspension system includes a first programmable magnet coupled to a first body and a second programmable magnet coupled to a second body. The programmable magnets simultaneously repel and attract each other in a nominal configuration such that the second body is suspended a programmed spaced-apart distance from the first body. The programmable magnets also allow movement between the first and second bodies in reaction to a force applied to the second body by a haptic actuator with a programmed spring force such that the first and second bodies return to the nominal configuration when no force is applied to the second body.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein include a housing component, a touch screen, a haptic actuator for moving the touch screen relative to the housing component, and at least one dual stiffness suspension system that couples the touch screen and housing component together such that the touch screen is movable relative to the housing component. The dual stiffness suspension system has a first element of a first stiffness and a second element of a second stiffness which is stiffer than the first stiffness. The dual stiffness suspension system is configured to limit movement between the touch screen and the housing component in a first direction due to the first element of the dual stiffness suspension system while also being configured to allow movement of the touch screen relative to the housing component in a second opposing direction due to the second element of the dual stiffness suspension system.

Abstract: A system that includes an actuator amplification apparatus and a push pull actuator disposed on or within the actuator amplification apparatus. The actuator amplification apparatus is configured to receive a push pull actuator. The actuator amplification apparatus includes a body fixture configured to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a fixed mass, an output interface to attach the actuator amplification apparatus to a moving mass, and an integral amplification mechanism. The integral amplification mechanism of the actuator amplification apparatus amplifies a force output by the push pull actuator to the moving mass. The integral amplification mechanism includes a plurality of linkages or an integral lever arm. The actuator amplification apparatus may include stabilizers configured to limit movement of the push pull actuator. In an embodiment, the fixed mass is a dashboard frame of an automobile and the moving mass is a floating haptic touch screen assembly.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein include a housing component, a touch screen, a haptic actuator for moving the touch screen relative to the housing component, and at least one dual stiffness suspension system that couples the touch screen and housing component together such that the touch screen is movable relative to the housing component. The dual stiffness suspension system has a first element of a first stiffness and a second element of a second stiffness which is stiffer than the first stiffness. The dual stiffness suspension system is configured to limit movement between the touch screen and the housing component in a first direction due to the first element of the dual stiffness suspension system while also being configured to allow movement of the touch screen relative to the housing component in a second opposing direction due to the second element of the dual stiffness suspension system.

Abstract: A system includes a wearable device configured to be worn by a user. The wearable device includes a flexible mounting, and a haptic output device connected to the flexible mounting. The system includes a signal generator configured to generate a haptic signal and communicate the haptic signal to the haptic output device. The haptic signal includes a short duration control pulse configured to create a small deformation sensation to the user.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein include a housing component, a touch screen, a haptic actuator for moving the touch screen relative to the housing component, and at least one dual stiffness suspension system that couples the touch screen and housing component together such that the touch screen is movable relative to the housing component. The dual stiffness suspension system has a first element of a first stiffness and a second element of a second stiffness which is stiffer than the first stiffness. The dual stiffness suspension system is configured to limit movement between the touch screen and the housing component in a first direction due to the first element of the dual stiffness suspension system while also being configured to allow movement of the touch screen relative to the housing component in a second opposing direction due to the second element of the dual stiffness suspension system.