Curved Origami Contact Members for Variable-Stiffness Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR/AR technologies fail to provide active mechanical haptics, lacking the ability to replicate the active mechanical sensory perception of touch, which is essential for immersive experiences, as they primarily offer passive haptic experiences such as vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The use of origami-based contact members and haptic devices that incorporate curved metamaterials with adjustable stiffness, allowing users to actively generate and sense mechanical touching sensations through variable stiffness ranging from hard to soft and positive to negative, by rotating or twisting the metamaterials to mimic real-world interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive haptic experiences (vibrations) are provided in VR/AR devices, then visual and audial sensory perceptions are enhanced, but the ability to deliver active mechanical haptic sensations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing a single curved crease with variable folding angles to achieve different stiffness states. By adjusting the folding angle of the curved origami structure, the system can transition between positive and negative stiffness, providing diverse haptic sensations without requiring multiple complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible curved origami panels with single curved creases that can be folded and unfolded to create variable stiffness structures. These thin, flexible panels enable active mechanical haptic generation through controlled folding motions, replacing traditional rigid haptic mechanisms
2Device complexity
If simple hand-centered motion constraints are used for haptic feedback, then device structure is simplified, but the ability to replicate natural active touch sensations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic haptic feedback by enabling real-time adjustment of stiffness through folding angle control. The system transitions from static to dynamic haptic properties, allowing the contact member to adapt its mechanical characteristics based on user interaction and virtual object properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of stiffness by varying the folding angle of the curved origami structure. This parameter change enables the system to replicate different touch sensations (hard, soft, fragile) using a single simplified mechanism rather than multiple fixed-configuration components
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed stiffness structures are used in haptic devices, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to provide variable stiffness sensations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static manufactured structure into a dynamic system where the contact member's stiffness can be actively controlled through folding angle adjustment. The single curved crease design maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling dynamic stiffness variation through controlled deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves variable stiffness through parameter changes in the folding angle of the curved origami structure. The same manufactured component can exhibit different stiffness values (from positive to negative) by changing its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-stiffness components
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
These devices enable users to experience a range of diverse and immersive haptic sensations, enhancing VR/AR experiences by accurately replicating the mechanical properties of virtual objects, improving identification rates and physiological responses to match real-world interactions.
Implementation Method 1
the curved origami-based metamaterial comprises a panel having a single curved crease extending in its longitudinal direction, which divides the panel into two facets at its two opposite sides, the panel is configured to be folded along the single curved crease to form a folding angle between the two facets
Implementation Method 2
the folding angle is configured to be adjusted by rotating the bottom plate to achieve a variable stiffness when loaded in a vertical axis between the top and bottom plates, covering positive stiffness to negative stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
Origami-based contact members, devices and systems used for active mechanical haptics. The origami-based contact member includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and at least one piece of a curved origami-based metamaterial interposed therebetween, with its top end fixed to the top plate and its bottom end fixed to the bottom plate, the top plate is exposed to be contacted by a user's body site. The metamaterial includes a panel having a single curved crease extending in its longitudinal direction, which divides the panel into two facets. The panel is foldable along the single curved crease to form a folding angle between the two facets. The folding angle is adjustable by rotating the bottom plate to achieve a variable stiffness when loaded in a vertical axis between the top and bottom plates, covering positive stiffness to negative stiffness, to be perceived by the user's body site via contact with the top plate.