New piezoelectric haptic actuator features small size, non-magnetic operation, and ability to run distinct programmable vibration patterns for high-resolution haptic displays and other systems
Victor, NY — October 3, 2014 — New Scale Technologies, Inc. has received its fifteenth U.S. patent for miniature piezoelectric motion innovations. US Patent 8,797,152, Haptic Actuator, Apparatuses and Methods Thereof, issued August 5, 2014 to inventors Qin Xu and David Henderson. The patented actuator is a linear “VIBE” actuator that generates vibrations detectable by humans, typically used as an alert system in a handheld or portable electronic device.
The new patent is related to the company’s earlier patent (US 8,680,975) for a rotary VIBE actuator, which generates vibrations by spinning an unbalanced mass. The new patent covers a linear VIBE actuator, which generates vibrations by linear movement of the motor mass itself. This design can deliver:
- Comparatively greater vibration amplitude and frequencies while minimizing overall size.
- Vibrations along a single axis that enable higher-resolution haptic display systems.
- Vibration amplitude that can be commanded independently of frequency, allowing creation of distinct programmable vibration patterns.
Because piezoelectric motors are used, no ferromagnetic materials are required in construction and no magnetic fields are generated during operation. Therefore the device can be integrated into systems containing radios, antennas and compasses without interfering with their operation.
Growing patent portfolio
In the twelve years since its founding, New Scale has secured fifteen US patents and corresponding international patents for piezoelectric motors, drive and control systems and all-in-one motion solutions with unmatched miniaturization, micrometer-scale resolution and fully-integrated electronics. The company applies this technology to develop standard and custom smart motion systems for original equipment manufacturers in optical, medical, scientific, aerospace, defense and other markets.
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies develops small, precise and smart motion systems for critical adjustments of optics in imaging devices and many other micro positioning applications. Our simple and elegant solutions deliver best-in-class performance in handheld, portable and mobile instruments for medical, scientific and industrial applications. We design and manufacture custom products and license our technology to manufacturers worldwide. Our customers benefit from complete, “all-in-one” motion solutions that are tailored to their unique requirements and easily integrated into their next-generation instruments.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark, and New Scale Pathway and UTAF are trademarks of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
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