In this research, modeling, and analysis of a beam-type touch screen interface with multiple actuators is considered. A mechanical model of a touch screen system, as thin beams, is developed with embedded electrostatic actuators at different spatial locations. This discrete finite element-based model is developed to compute the analytical and numerical vibrotactile response due to multiple actuators excited with varying frequency and amplitude. The model is tested with spring-damper boundary conditions incorporating sinusoidal excitations in the human haptic range. An analytical solution is proposed to obtain the vibrotactile response of the touch surface for different frequencies of excitations, number of actuators, actuator stiffness, and actuator positions. The effect of the mechanical properties of the touch surface on vibrotactile feedback provided to the user feedback is explored. Investigation of optimal location and number of actuators for a desired localized response, such as the magnitude of acceleration and variation in acceleration response for a desired zone on the interface, is carried out. It has been shown that a wide variety of localizable vibrotactile feedback can be generated on the touch surface using different frequencies of excitations, different actuator stiffness, number of actuators, and actuator positions. Having a mechanical model will facilitate simulation studies capable of incorporating more testing scenarios that may not be feasible to physically test.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.