Electrostatic Slide Clutch for Resistive VR Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual and mixed reality systems fail to provide a satisfying tactile experience, as they do not effectively simulate the resistive kinematic sensation of interacting with real objects, which is essential for immersive interaction.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electrostatic slide clutch with a heterogeneous electrically insulating structure and a controller to apply a variable voltage between electrodes, creating a normal force that increases static and sliding friction, thereby simulating the resistive effect of object contact on skeletal joints through a haptic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional VR/MR systems are used, then visual and auditory immersion is achieved, but tactile feedback and resistive sensation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrostatic slide clutch as an intermediary device between the user and virtual objects. This clutch uses electrostatic forces to create variable friction that simulates tactile resistance, acting as a mediator that translates visual/auditory virtual interactions into realistic tactile feedback without disrupting the existing VR/MR visual and auditory immersion capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction-based clutch mechanisms with an electrostatic system. Instead of using mechanical contact and wear-prone components to generate friction, the invention uses electrostatic fields to create controllable normal forces between electrodes, thereby generating friction forces through field interactions rather than direct mechanical contact
2Force
If electrostatic voltage is applied between electrodes, then normal force and friction increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the electrostatic slide clutch by varying the voltage parameter applied between the first and second electrodes. By changing this single electrical parameter, the normal force and resulting friction can be dynamically adjusted to simulate different tactile sensations, providing a simple control mechanism that avoids complex mechanical adjustment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic slide clutch serves multiple functions: it provides normal force generation, friction control, and tactile feedback simulation all through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate mechanical components for each function, as the electrostatic mechanism simultaneously achieves force generation and friction modulation
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
This solution enhances the tactile feedback in VR and MR systems by providing a realistic resistive sensation, improving the overall immersive experience by simulating the kinematic resistance felt when interacting with virtual objects.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is electrically coupled to the first electrode and to the second electrode and configured to apply a variable voltage between the first and second electrodes to influence a normal force between the first and second electrodes
Implementation Method 2
creating a normal force that increases static and sliding friction, thereby simulating the resistive effect of object contact on skeletal joints through a haptic device
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an electrostatic slide clutch comprising a first electrode, a second electrode oriented parallel to first electrode, an electrically insulating structure disposed on the first electrode on a face of the first electrode opposing the second electrode, and a controller electrically coupled to the first electrode and to the second electrode and configured to apply a variable voltage between the first and second electrodes, to influence a normal force between the first and second electrodes.