Damping Material Isolation for Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality Gloves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interaction peripherals for controlling multidimensional virtual objects lack precise haptic or pseudo-haptic feedback, leading to inefficient manipulation and ergonomic issues, particularly in virtual environments where precise tactile sensations are essential for complex object handling.

Innovation Solution

An interaction peripheral with modules connected by damping material to isolate vibrations, allowing precise finger control and enhanced tactile feedback, featuring a handle for wrist movement control and sensors for finger movement tracking, providing improved haptic feedback by correlating tactile sensations with finger actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If interaction modules are connected directly without damping material, then structural rigidity is improved, but vibration isolation between modules deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidvibration propagation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A damping material is introduced as an intermediary element between interaction modules to isolate vibrations. The damping material absorbs and dissipates vibratory energy, preventing it from propagating to adjacent modules while maintaining structural integrity. This resolves the contradiction by providing both mechanical connection and vibration isolation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interaction peripheral uses composite construction where damping material is integrated into the structural assembly. The damping material forms part of the junction between modules, creating a composite structure that combines the rigidity of the module housing with the vibration-absorbing properties of the damping material layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If haptic feedback is provided without vibration isolation, then tactile sensation is enhanced, but precision of locating active finger deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidfinger location precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The damping material acts as a mediator that allows controlled transmission of haptic feedback to the operator's finger while blocking the propagation of vibrations from other modules. This enables the operator to clearly distinguish which finger is active, improving both tactile feedback quality and finger location precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If freehand manipulation is required, then natural hand movement is achieved, but operator fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural hand movementVSAvoidoperator endurance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The interaction peripheral is divided into multiple independent interaction modules, each corresponding to a specific finger. This segmentation allows the operator to rest the hand on the device with fingers positioned naturally, and only the active finger needs to move precisely while others remain supported, reducing overall muscular fatigue during prolonged use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enhances the precision and realism of virtual object manipulation by providing clear, correlated tactile feedback, reducing operator fatigue and improving ergonomic handling of virtual objects.

Implementation Method 1

Each module is connected to the shell by a junction made of a damping material... it makes it possible for an operator to precisely locate the finger for which the vibrator is active

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2836890B1Interaction peripheral device capable of controlling an element for touching and grasping multidimensional virtual objects
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 INRIA INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE EN INFORMATIQUE ET EN AUTOMATIQUE
  • EP2836890B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2836890B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an interaction peripheral device (1) capable of controlling an element for touching and grasping multidimensional virtual objects, comprising at least two interaction modules (20), each interaction module (20) being intended to be activated by a finger of an operator and comprising a control sensor for controlling a movement, at a predetermined number of degrees of freedom, of a part of the element for touching and grasping virtual objects via the bending/extending and/or adduction/abduction movement of the operator's finger, and a vibrating device capable of emitting a vibration when a virtual object is touched and/or released by a part of said element for touching and grasping virtual objects, characterised in that each interaction module (20) is attached to said peripheral device by a connection (40) made of a shock-absorbing material.