Deformable Human Interface Sensing for Multi-Axis Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human interface devices are rigid and uncomfortable, often causing injuries and damage, and provide only binary signals, which limits their functionality and safety in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A deformable human interface device with a deformable body and conductors that change electric characteristics in response to physical manipulation, such as compression, flexing, or twisting, allowing for continuous and multi-dimensional control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid housing is used in conventional human interface devices, then structural strength and durability are improved, but user comfort and safety deteriorate due to injuries and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells by replacing the rigid housing with a deformable body made of elastomeric material. This deformable body can flex, compress, and deform under user interaction, providing both structural integrity and user safety. The flexible material prevents injuries and damage while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating deformable conductors whose electrical properties (resistance, capacitance, inductance) change in response to physical manipulation of the deformable body. This allows the device to detect various deformation states and translate them into control signals, maintaining functionality while using a flexible rather than rigid structure.
2Device complexity
If conventional binary switches are used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality and control precision deteriorate due to limited signal types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing deformable conductors that can detect multiple types of physical manipulation (compression, flexing, twisting, stretching) using the same basic component structure. A single deformable conductor can sense different deformation modes and translate them into various control signals, enabling one device to perform multiple control functions without requiring separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing deformable conductors whose electrical characteristics (resistance, capacitance, inductance) vary continuously in response to different types and degrees of physical manipulation. This continuous variation in electrical parameters enables the detection of multiple control states and provides nuanced control functionality beyond simple binary on/off switches.
3Measurement precision
If multiple specialized sensors are used to detect different manipulation types, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a deformable conductor that can detect multiple types of physical manipulation (compression, flexing, twisting, stretching) using the same basic component structure. This multi-functional sensor eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors for each manipulation type, reducing device complexity and component count while maintaining the ability to detect various deformation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single deformable conductor component. Instead of using separate sensors for different manipulation types, the deformable conductor integrates multiple detection functions, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining comprehensive manipulation detection capability.
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 device provides safer, more durable, and comfortable operation, enabling simultaneous control actions and reducing the risk of injury or damage, while being cost-effective and easy to replace.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable conductor may be arranged to change an electric characteristic in response to the physical manipulation. The electric characteristic may include a resistance.
Implementation Method 2
The electric characteristic may include a capacitance.
Implementation Method 3
The electric characteristic may include an inductance.
Data Source
AI summary
A human interface device may include a deformable body having a handle portion, and a deformable conductor coupled to the deformable body and arranged to deform in response to a physical manipulation of the deformable body. The physical manipulation may include compressing, flexing, twisting, and/or stretching at least a portion of the deformable body. The deformable conductor may be arranged to change an electric characteristic such as a resistance, capacitance and/or inductance in response to the physical manipulation. The deformable conductor may include a sensor portion, and a transmission portion. The sensor portion may sense a first type of physical manipulation, and the transmission portion may sense a second type of physical manipulation.