Braille displays displacement

In this research, a new type of dynamic Braille display is presented. It employs a dielectric elastomer for the basis of the tactile display. It is constmcted with a notably simple mechanical and electrical architecture. The proposed device is organized with a dual-layered array of tactile cells that generates vertical motion used to push up or down the Braille pins. These electrically driven tactile cells can generate either small-scale vibratory motion or linear displacement. They differ from conventional devices in softness and controllable compliance, cost effectiveness, simple manufacturability and high actuator density. Furthermore, the small size of the proposed concept enables the development of a high-density display device. 

Another refreshable Braille display based on tubular DEA was demonstrated by Chakraborti et al. As demonstrated in Fig. 11, eaeh Braille pin is attached to a tubular actuator with a spacer and a clamp. While voltage is applied to the tubular actuator, the Braille pin will move up driven by the displacement of toe actuator. 

This result shows that the generating force and the displacement of this device are sufficient to facilitate reading by the visually impaired. Further, it demonstrates the feasibility of this design, which integrates organic transistors and the IPMC actuators, for realizing Braille sheet displays. 

Braille is a tool for exchanging information among the visually disabled and has been extensively used to transfer textual information. It consists of six pins arranged in pattern of a 3x2 matrix (a 4 x 2 matrix in the case of Chinese characters). Information is represented by stimulating human skin, usually fingertips, by vertical displacement of the pins. The tactile display device can be used as a refreshable... 

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