Electrostatic Brake Haptic Device for Portable Kinaesthetic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic feedback devices for virtual and augmented reality, as well as rehabilitation, are often bulky, complex, and not designed for portable use, lacking the ability to provide effective kinaesthetic feedback and efficient grasping assistance.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, flexible electrostatic brake system using conductive and dielectric films with a power source to generate electrostatic friction, allowing for reversible blocking or hampering of body part movements without tensioner or spring elements, integrated into body suits or gloves for kinaesthetic haptic feedback and assisted grasping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If actuated articulated arms or glove-based exoskeletons are used to provide kinaesthetic feedback, then large forces and motion blocking can be rendered with high fidelity, but the devices become bulky, complex, and restricted to lab environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems (articulated arms, motorized tendons) with a passive elastic energy storage mechanism. Springs pre-loaded in the exoskeleton structure provide the necessary forces without requiring motors, cables, or complex control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining force output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton employs dynamic mechanical elements including movable joints, articulated linkages, and elastic components that adapt to user movement. The passive springs automatically adjust their force output based on the degree of joint flexion, providing context-appropriate haptic feedback without complex electronic control
2Device complexity
If passive spring-based force feedback devices are used, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the ability to provide large forces and effective motion blocking is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton employs asymmetric mechanical advantage through its linkage geometry. The articulated arms and joint configurations are designed so that small displacements at the user interface translate into large force multiplication through the mechanical leverage of the linkage system, enabling compact design to generate substantial forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved elastic elements and articulated joint designs that optimize force transmission. The spring mechanisms use curved geometries to maximize elastic energy storage in compact spaces, while the articulated linkages use angular configurations to amplify force output from the springs
3Reliability
If electrostatic brakes with tensioners or spring elements are used, then movement blocking capability is improved, but the device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the tensioner and spring elements from the electrostatic brake assembly. The brake mechanism relies solely on electrostatic attraction between the stator and rotor electrodes to generate braking force, removing the need for additional mechanical components that would add weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical force generation mechanisms (springs, tensioners) with an electrostatic field-based system. The electrostatic brake uses voltage-induced electrostatic attraction to create the normal force required for friction braking, substituting electromagnetic principles for mechanical force generation and reducing component count
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
Enables efficient, portable, and reversible movement blocking or assistance, providing effective kinaesthetic haptic feedback and grasping support with a compact, flexible design, suitable for various applications including VR, AR, and rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
a power source for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to develop an electrostatic charge
Implementation Method 2
generate an attractive force between said first and second electrodes
Implementation Method 3
reversibly increase the sliding friction between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device including electrostatic brakes providing haptic kinaesthetic feedback to a user in e.g. assistive, rehabilitation or virtual reality scenarios, as well as tele-manipulation.