Cable-Driven Tactor for Tactile Situational Awareness Systems

In aviation, the Tactical Situation Awareness System (TSAS) developed by the Naval Medical Research Laboratory uses an array of tactors on the torso to provide intuitive orientation information to aircrew and operators [1]. Current tactor technology is limited in its ability to generate high amplitude signals without a tradeoff in size, weight, or cost. We have overcome these limitations using a mechanical cable to separate the motor (often the heavy, bulky, and costly component) from the vibrating tactor using a simple and robust lever mechanism. The motor is not part of the vest, allowing the tactors to be lightweight and low cost. Our final tactor implementation is 6.4 mm thick, weighs less than 10 g, and outputs a high amplitude vibration (over 10 mm at 50 Hz).