Conductive Elastomeric Foam for Real-Time Haptic Shape Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic sensors and input devices for surface modeling and geometry capture in fields like AR, VR, and computer graphics face limitations in real-time manipulation and deformation, particularly in creating malleable surfaces like spheres without support structures, which restrict free deformation.
Innovation Solution
A haptic sensor arrangement using electrically conductive elastomeric members with changing electrical characteristics under compression, combined with a processor to measure and map surface topology, allowing real-time capture and manipulation of tactile forces for accurate digital representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a support structure is used to hold the stretched silicon in place, then the malleable surface can maintain its shape, but the freedom of deformation is restricted in some locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses foam material with porous structure as the elastomeric member. The porous structure allows the material to be compressed and deformed freely in all directions without requiring support structures, while still maintaining structural integrity. The voids within the foam enable volumetric compression and expansion, providing adaptability without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines conductive material with elastomeric foam to create a composite elastomeric member that is both electrically conductive and mechanically deformable. This composite structure eliminates the need for separate support structures while maintaining shape stability through the elastomeric properties and providing deformation freedom through the flexible foam matrix.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional malleable surfaces with support structures are used, then shape stability is maintained, but real-time manipulation and deformation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical support structures with an electrical sensing system. Instead of using physical supports to maintain shape, the system uses conductive elastomeric members with sensors that detect deformation electrically, allowing real-time manipulation without mechanical constraints. The electrical characteristic changes provide immediate feedback for real-time control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the elastomeric members can be deformed freely in real-time while sensors continuously monitor the deformation. The system transitions from static shape maintenance to dynamic real-time manipulation, allowing rapid deformation and recovery without mechanical restrictions.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser scanners with high polygon count are used, then complex geometries are captured accurately, but real-time manipulation and corrections are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service system where the elastomeric sensor arrangement automatically captures and reports its own deformation state in real-time. The system serves itself by using the physical deformation of the elastomeric members to directly generate measurement data, eliminating the need for separate scanning and manual correction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through electrical sensors that continuously monitor the deformation of elastomeric members. This feedback mechanism provides immediate information about shape changes, enabling real-time manipulation and corrections without the delays associated with traditional scanning methods.
4Productivity
If conductive elastomeric members with changing electrical characteristics are used, then real-time haptic deformation capture is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elastomeric members multi-functional by combining mechanical deformation capability with electrical conduction in a single component. The elastomeric members serve both as structural elements that can be deformed and as sensing elements that detect deformation through electrical characteristic changes, eliminating the need for separate sensing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural and sensing functions into a single conductive elastomeric member. Instead of having separate mechanical components and sensing components, the conductive elastomeric material performs both roles, simplifying the device architecture while enabling real-time haptic capture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time capture and manipulation of haptic deformations, providing intuitive and realistic interaction for 3D modeling and sculpting without the need for support structures, with applications in VR, AR, and other digital modeling fields.
Implementation Method 1
having at least one electrical characteristic that changes when the elastomeric member is compressed along the least one axis by a tactile force
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomeric member is representative of the distance between the terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A displacement sensor element and a haptic sensor arrangement using two or more displacement sensor elements are provided. The arrangements can be used for real-time capture of the shape of haptic deformation of the sensor arrangement. Although examples described in detail herein are primarily directed to tactile applications, the sensor can be used in the machine, robotic and medical fields where a sensor of this type can usefully be applied where only machine or computer controlled robotic elements are interacting, particularly if the machines or robotic elements are being used in human like applications but other force measurement applications are possible.