Finger Device with Magnetic Bistability for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input accessories for electronic devices, such as computers, can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for users, making it difficult to deploy and control content effectively.
Innovation Solution
A finger-mounted device with sensor circuitry, including strain gauges and accelerometers, that can be worn on a user's finger, allowing for wireless communication with other devices to manipulate content displayed on head-mounted devices or other equipment, featuring hinge structures and magnetic bistability for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional input accessories are used to control electronic devices, then control functionality is provided, but the devices become cumbersome and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is segmented into a compact finger-mounted portion containing sensors and a separate head-mounted display portion, allowing the control functionality to be distributed and reducing the bulk at any single location while maintaining full control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input accessories (mice, keyboards) with a sensor-based system using strain gauges and accelerometers that detect finger movements and gestures, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while preserving control functionality
2Reliability
If a finger-mounted device is designed for secure attachment, then the device stays in place during use, but it becomes difficult to remove and deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses dynamic magnetic forces that can be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing the device to be quickly attached to and removed from the finger while maintaining secure attachment during use through the magnetic hold
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic structures serve as an intermediary between the finger-mounted device and the finger, providing secure attachment without requiring mechanical fasteners or complex locking mechanisms, enabling easy deployment and removal
3Measurement precision
If sensor circuitry is integrated into the finger device housing, then finger input detection is enabled, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor functions (strain gauge detection, accelerometer measurement) are merged into a single integrated housing structure, allowing comprehensive finger input detection while minimizing the overall device volume through functional consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates thin-film structures and flexible components that accommodate the sensor circuitry while maintaining a compact form factor, allowing the device to fit comfortably on the finger without excessive size
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 comfortable and efficient user input through finger gestures, providing precise control over virtual content while allowing for easy attachment and detachment from the finger, enhancing interaction with electronic devices in virtual and mixed reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
Magnets or other bistability structures may be used to provide the folding housing with folding bistability
Implementation Method 2
The sensor circuitry may include a strain gauge, accelerometer, and/or other sensor circuitry to detect finger input as the housing is moved by the finger
Implementation Method 3
The sensor circuitry may include a strain gauge, accelerometer, and/or other sensor circuitry to detect finger input as the housing is moved by the finger
Implementation Method 4
The base may have wireless power circuitry to wirelessly charge the finger device
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a finger device that is worn on a user's finger. The finger device may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other devices in the system. The finger device may have a foldable housing with hinge structures that allow portions of the housing to fold with respect to each other. Magnets or other bistability structures may be used to provide the folding housing with folding bistability. This allows the housing to be placed in a stable unfolded state that releases the finger or a stable folded state in which the housing snaps over the finger and holds the finger device in place. A base may be used to store the finger device for charging. The base may have deployment structures that help place the finger device on the user's finger for use.