Electromagnetic Tactile Surface for Shear Force Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tactile stimulation systems in virtual reality and related fields fail to provide a realistic sensation of surface texture and roughness, and are inadequate in simulating dynamic interactions such as gripping and sliding.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a movable stimulation surface capable of generating shear forces in multiple directions, utilizing electromagnetic actuators to provide high-frequency stimulation, and elastically deformable support means to simulate texture and indentation, allowing for realistic rendering of tactile interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic actuators are used to move the stimulation surface at high frequency, then the realism of tactile texture simulation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of tactile texture simulationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration motors with electromagnetic actuators (voice coil actuators) to drive the stimulation surface. This substitution enables higher frequency response (up to 1200 Hz) and more precise control of tangential forces, directly improving the realism of tactile texture simulation while accepting increased device complexity through the use of advanced electromagnetic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stimulation surface is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position and orientation in response to detected skin movements. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal contact and generate realistic tactile feedback by adapting to user interactions in real-time, thereby improving simulation realism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the stimulation surface is moved in multiple directions to generate shear forces, then the quality of tactile texture rendering is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of tactile texture renderingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the stimulation surface movement from single-direction to multi-directional capability by implementing movement along both X and Y axes. This dimensional expansion allows the generation of complex shear forces in multiple directions, enabling high-quality rendering of various tactile textures by simulating different friction and sliding patterns that match real-world surface interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the stimulation frequency is increased to simulate dynamic interactions, then the realism of tactile feedback is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of tactile feedbackVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuators are driven with periodic signals at frequencies up to 1200 Hz to generate realistic tactile feedback. This high-frequency periodic action enables the simulation of dynamic interactions such as vibrations and texture sensations, improving the realism of tactile feedback while the system manages energy consumption through efficient electromagnetic actuation and selective activation based on detected skin movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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 system achieves a high-quality simulation of tactile texture and dynamic interactions, enabling realistic sensations of surface roughness, gripping, and sliding, with high stimulation frequency and adaptability to various skin areas.

Implementation Method 1

the system comprises electromagnetic actuators arranged around a movable element supporting said surface to move said surface along the orthogonal direction or directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

said surface being capable of being moved in at least one direction, advantageously two mutually orthogonal directions such that it generates shear forces in one or both directions at the skin area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear force generation: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 3

the surface is supported by support means that are elastically deformable in the direction or directions of displacement, providing in a simple manner the desired degree or degrees of translation and forming means for returning the surface to the equilibrium position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2591407B1System for simulating a contact with a surface by tactile stimulation

Publication Date: 2017.03.29 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

System for simulating a contact with a surface by tactile stimulation comprising a surface (4.1) intended to come into contact with the fleshy part of a finger (9) of a user, said system comprising means for displacing the surface along first and second mutually orthogonal directions (X, Y) substantially tangential to the fleshy part of the finger (9), said means of displacement being controlled as a function of the simulation to be generated, in which said means of displacement are formed by electromagnetic actuators (14.1, 14.2).