Abstract EN:

The work aims at investigating innovative solutions for tactile display technologies, rendering both thermal and tactile sensations. Main achievements consist in devising thermal touch rendering prototype, based on TEM modules controlled by an accurate finite-difference simulation, and improving new actuators based on electroactive polymers, in order to make them suitable for tactile rendering. For thermal rendering, efficiency depends mainly on the accuracy of the thermal flows that must be reproduced. An accurate semi-analytical model of thermal flow between finger and materials was done, mixing both analytical and numerical simulation, to solve the problem of discontinuity of initial contact temperatures. It was validated and implemented in a multimodal rendering device in a virtual reality environment. For tactile rendering, efficiency depends mainly on the actuators, that must be small, soft. Polymer actuators based on new Interpenetrated Networks of Conductive Polymers were used. Several major improvements of former existing systems were needed Fabrication improvements: Ultra-fast polymerization with microwaves enabled a better reproducibility and a reliable fabrication process; it allowed also using of special masks to build various shaped integrated actuators. Design improvements: New actuator shapes, mixing rigid conductive electroactive parts and soft inert parts, were designed, leading to more efficient linear rather than bending deformations. A mechanical simulation tool enabled optimization. Other improvements include chemical interconnecting of the actuators in an all-in-one matrix, and increasing of the actuator speed and miniaturization.