Elastomeric Force Control Modules for Realistic Wearable Haptics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable devices struggle to provide realistic and immersive haptic feedback to users, particularly in applications like gaming and virtual reality, as they fail to effectively simulate the resistance and texture of virtual objects.

Innovation Solution

A force control module comprising a fixed part, a rotational part, and an elastomeric part that generates variable actuation forces to resist rotation, integrated into a wearable device such as a glove, using a pneumatic system to control the elastomeric parts and provide haptic feedback based on user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional haptic feedback mechanisms are used in wearable devices, then basic vibration feedback can be provided, but realistic and immersive haptic feedback with resistance and texture simulation cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback realismVSAvoidforce control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force control mechanism is divided into independent modular units, each comprising a rotational part, elastomeric part, and fixed part. Each module can be independently controlled to provide localized haptic feedback on different digit sections, enabling realistic texture simulation while keeping individual module complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric part is designed to be dynamically actuatable towards the inner surface, allowing the resistance force to vary in real-time based on user interaction. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to simulate different textures and resistance levels, improving haptic feedback realism without requiring permanently complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If variable actuation force is generated to resist rotation of rotational parts, then realistic resistance feedback is provided, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric part is actuated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, generating variable actuation force only when haptic feedback is needed. This intermittent actuation approach provides realistic resistance feedback while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation force parameter is dynamically changed based on interaction requirements. The system adjusts the magnitude and timing of elastomeric actuation to match the perceived resistance needs, providing realistic force feedback only when necessary and minimizing energy consumption during non-interaction periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If haptic feedback is provided through rotation resistance of elastomeric parts, then tactile sensations are enhanced, but system response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedback qualityVSAvoidsystem latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric parts are pre-positioned and ready for actuation, with the force control modules continuously monitored. When user interaction is detected, the system can immediately actuate the elastomeric part to generate resistance, providing high-quality tactile feedback with minimal latency since no mechanical reconfiguration is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables low-latency, energy-efficient haptic feedback that mimics the resistance and texture of virtual objects, enhancing user immersion by providing realistic tactile sensations.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric part disposed within one of the fixed part and rotational part, the elastomeric part separated from an inner surface of the one of the fixed part and rotational part, the elastomeric part coupled to the rotational part such that the elastomeric part is rotatable by the rotational part about the rotational axis, wherein the elastomeric part is actuatable towards the inner surface to generate a variable actuation force on the inner surface, the variable actuation force for resisting rotation of the rotational part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using a pneumatic system to control the elastomeric parts and provide haptic feedback based on user interactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Data Source

PatentUS20250335034A1Force control module and wearable device comprising the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to a force control module and a wearable device comprising the same. The force control module has a fixed part, a rotational part aligned to the fixed part and rotatable about a rotational axis of the fixed part, and an elastomeric part within the fixed part or rotational part. The elastomeric part is separated from an inner surface of the fixed part or rotational part and is coupled to the rotational part. The elastomeric part is actuatable towards the inner surface to generate a variable actuation force on the inner surface, the variable actuation force for resisting rotation of the rotational part.