Finger Motion Sensing Interface for Durable Robot Hand Teleoperation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motion detecting devices for remotely operating multi-articulated robots, such as robot hands, face issues with low detection accuracy and durability, and are difficult to wear due to the fragility of bending-type sensors and the need for a glove that does not damage the sensors.

Innovation Solution

A motion detecting device with a device main body that includes contact parts shaped to follow the finger, detection parts that detect motion based on pressing states, and a force sense generating part that provides a reaction force, allowing for accurate and durable detection of finger motion and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a bending-type sensor is used to detect finger motion in a glove, then motion detection is enabled, but the sensor is fragile and has low detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical bending-type sensor with a pressure sensor that detects finger motion through pressure changes. The pressure sensor includes a pressing portion pressed by finger movement and a detection element that detects pressure, eliminating the need for fragile bending sensors while improving both detection accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pressing portion as an intermediary between the finger and the detection element. This pressing portion translates finger motion into pressure changes that the detection element can accurately measure, improving detection accuracy while protecting the sensor from direct mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a glove with embedded sensors is used for remote control, then finger motion can be detected, but it is difficult to put on the glove without damaging the sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wearingVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the glove-based mechanical sensor system with a pressure sensor system that can be integrated into a more robust housing. This substitution allows for easier donning and doffing while protecting the sensors from damage during glove manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional glove surface to a three-dimensional pressure sensor structure with a pressing portion and detection element. This dimensional change allows the sensor to be mounted in a protected position while still accurately detecting finger motion through pressure changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensors are mounted on multiple finger joint parts, then comprehensive motion detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single pressure sensor unit. The pressure sensor includes a pressing portion that can detect motion at multiple joint parts simultaneously, and a single detection element that measures pressure changes, reducing the number of separate sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive motion detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor is designed as a universal detection device that can detect finger motion at multiple joint parts. The pressing portion can be pressed by movement of any finger joint, and the detection element universally detects pressure changes regardless of the specific joint involved, simplifying the overall sensor arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves higher accuracy in detecting finger motion and provides excellent durability and ease of wearing, enabling precise control of multi-articulated robots with improved haptic feedback.

Implementation Method 1

a detection part that detects the motion of the finger on the basis of a pressing state of the finger against the contact part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a force sense generating part that generates a force sense against a pressing of the finger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHaptic feedback force generation: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3782775B1Motion detecting device
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 MELTIN INC
  • EP3782775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The motion detecting device 30 that detects motion of an operator's finger for remotely operating a multi-fingered robot 10 includes a device main body 32 that is installed such that the finger is placed thereon, a contact part 40 that follows a shape of the finger in the device main body 32 and is in contact with the finger, and a detection part 50 that detects the motion of the finger on the basis of a pressing state of the finger against the contact part 40.