Wearable EMP Haptic Patch for Hands-Free Vibration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable wireless devices are often expensive, bulky, and limited in application, failing to provide efficient hands-free operations for users, especially for small information transmission tasks.
Innovation Solution
A wearable haptic device utilizing electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers with a control circuit and wireless communication capabilities, allowing for customizable haptic responses and sensing, which can be attached to the body as a patch or bandage to provide vibrations and transmit messages or health-related data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wearable wireless devices are used to provide hands-free operations, then user convenience is improved, but device cost and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wearable device into separate functional modules: vibration motor unit, wireless communication unit, and control unit. Each module operates independently but cooperates to provide hands-free operation, reducing overall device bulkiness while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration motor serves multiple functions: providing haptic feedback for user interaction and delivering therapeutic vibrations for medical applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices, decreasing overall complexity and bulk
2Loss of information
If traditional wearable wireless devices are used for information transmission, then communication capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone or external device as an intermediary for complex communication tasks. The wearable device only handles essential local processing and vibration control, while the intermediary device manages data transmission and storage, reducing the wearable device's cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication systems with a simplified control system that uses vibration patterns to encode and transmit information mechanically, reducing device cost while maintaining communication capability
3Reliability
If vibration frequency and duration are increased for therapeutic effect, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic vibration cycles with varying frequencies and durations. High-intensity vibrations are delivered in periodic bursts rather than continuously, maintaining treatment effectiveness while allowing energy recovery periods, thus reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) are dynamically adjusted based on real-time feedback from sensors and user response. The system automatically optimizes vibration intensity to achieve therapeutic effects with minimum energy expenditure
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 device offers efficient, low-cost, hands-free operation with customizable haptic responses and sensing capabilities, enhancing user interaction and providing effective treatment for ulcerated tissues through programmable vibrations, while being disposable and hygienic.
Implementation Method 1
one or more EMP transducers attached to the substrate, such that a mechanical response in each EMP transducer may provide a haptic response
Implementation Method 2
The EMP transducer may also serve as a sensor, such that a mechanical stimulus on the EMP transducer provides an electrical response that is detected by the control circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable haptic device includes (a) substrate having provided thereon a fastener (e.g., adhesive) for attachment to a user; (b) one or more EMP transducers attached to the substrate, such that a mechanical response in each EMP transducer may provide a haptic response of sufficient magnitude to be felt by the user; and (c) control circuit controlling the vibration frequency, the time of operation and the duration for each activation of the EMP transducer. The wearable haptic device may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver) for receiving message from an external device (e.g., smartphone). The control circuit interprets message received and according to the interpreted message provides an electrical stimulus to cause the mechanical response of the EMP transducer. The EMP transducer may also serve as a sensor, such that a mechanical stimulus on the EMP transducer provides an electrical response that is detected by the control circuit.