Electrostatic Clutch Layout for Independent Multi-Finger Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual and augmented reality systems lack tactile feedback, and existing electrostatic clutching mechanisms are unable to independently control restrictive forces for multiple fingers, leading to bulky designs that are not suitable for wearable applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrostatic clutch arrangement using a common base electrode and multiple individually controllable opposing electrodes, housed within a common housing, allows for independent control of electrostatic forces across multiple fingers, enabling a wearable device to provide nuanced tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate electrostatic clutching mechanisms are used to independently control each finger, then independent control of restrictive forces for multiple fingers is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrostatic clutching mechanisms are merged into a single integrated device by sharing a common base electrode and housing structure. The patent combines multiple opposing electrodes (first opposing electrode, second opposing electrode, etc.) that can be independently controlled while sharing the common base electrode, thereby achieving independent finger control without requiring separate bulky mechanisms for each finger.
Solution Approach 2:
The common base electrode serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as the base electrode for the first electrostatic clutching mechanism and also as the base electrode for the second electrostatic clutching mechanism. This multi-functional design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining independent control capabilities.
2Volume of moving object
If a common base electrode is shared across multiple electrostatic clutching mechanisms, then device volume is reduced for wearable applications, but the ability to independently control electrostatic forces for multiple fingers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The opposing electrodes are segmented into multiple independently controllable units (first opposing electrode, second opposing electrode, third opposing electrode, etc.). Each segmented electrode can be controlled independently through separate control circuits, allowing nuanced tactile feedback for different fingers while sharing the common base electrode infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Control circuits act as intermediaries between the controller and the multiple opposing electrodes. These intermediary control circuits enable independent voltage application to each opposing electrode relative to the common base electrode, preserving independent control capability despite the shared base electrode architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrostatic clutching mechanisms are implemented without a common housing, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but device compactness and wearability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrostatic clutching mechanisms are merged into a single housing structure. The common housing contains and protects all the electrostatic components (base electrode, opposing electrodes, insulating structures) for multiple fingers, achieving compact integration while maintaining manufacturability through standardized housing designs.
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 a wearable device to provide precise tactile feedback by allowing multiple fingers to be controlled simultaneously with a compact design, enhancing the immersive experience of virtual and augmented reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic clutching mechanism coupled to the base, the electrostatic clutching mechanism comprising a base electrode, a plurality of individually-controllable opposing electrodes arranged at different locations across the base electrode and overlapping the base electrode
Implementation Method 2
a controller electrically coupled to the base electrode and to each of the opposing electrodes and configured to individually control a voltage applied to each opposing electrode relative to a voltage of the base electrode to control an electrostatic force
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to electrostatic clutching mechanisms that may be used for tactile feedback. One example provides a motion-restricting apparatus comprising a wearable base, and an electrostatic clutching mechanism coupled to the base, the electrostatic clutching mechanism comprising a base electrode, a plurality of individually-controllable opposing electrodes arranged at different locations across the base electrode and overlapping the base electrode, and one or more electrically insulating structures configured to electrically insulate the base electrode from the plurality of opposing electrodes. The motion-restricting apparatus further comprises a controller electrically coupled to the base electrode and to each of the opposing electrodes and configured to individually control a voltage applied to each opposing electrode relative to a voltage of the base electrode to control an electrostatic force between the base electrode and each opposing electrode.