Flat-Wire Coil Mid-Air Haptics With Fluid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mid-air haptic devices lack the thermal stability, high update rate, and multi-point haptic interaction capabilities necessary to provide realistic kinesthetic feedback similar to existing kinesthetic haptic devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electromagnetic-based kinesthetic haptic device using flat wire coils, a magnetic localization system, a cooling fluid source, and computer software to achieve controlled magnetic forces and torques, enabling high update rates and multi-point haptic interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electromagnetic coils are used to generate magnetic forces for haptic feedback, then the force range and update rate can be improved, but thermal load increases causing temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal effect into a beneficial one by using the heat generated by electromagnetic coils to heat a fluid (water or glycol) that circulates through channels in the coil structure. This fluid acts as both a cooling medium and a heat transfer medium, absorbing excess heat from the coils and transporting it to a heat exchanger where it can be dissipated, thereby preventing overheating while utilizing the thermal energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling system where fluid (water or glycol) is pumped through channels formed within or around the electromagnetic coil structure. The fluid circulation system includes a pump, channels integrated with the coil, and a heat exchanger, creating a closed-loop hydraulic system that efficiently manages thermal load during high-update-rate operation
2Temperature
If traditional electromagnets are used, then thermal management becomes difficult, but adding heat sinks increases device complexity and form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic coil structure with the cooling channels by forming channels within or around the coil windings themselves. This integration combines the electromagnetic function and thermal management function into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate heat sinks or external cooling components, thereby reducing device complexity and form factor while maintaining thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid circulation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the electromagnetic coils, transfers heat to the heat exchanger, and can be integrated with the structural support framework. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while achieving effective thermal management
3Ease of operation
If mid-air haptic feedback is implemented, then contactless interaction is achieved, but the force range is limited compared to kinesthetic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic levitation to counteract gravity and provide contactless support for objects. By controlling the magnetic forces from arrays of electromagnetic coils, the system can levitate and position objects in mid-air without physical contact, enabling contactless interaction while maintaining sufficient force range through coordinated control of multiple coils
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 provides thermally stable and high update rate kinesthetic haptic feedback in mid-air, enabling realistic interaction with virtual objects and supporting multi-point haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an array of electromagnetic coils configured in a planner configuration... generate controlled magnetic fields and magnetic field gradients at a point in the workspace
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic agent... to translate the magnetic fields/magnetic fields gradients to magnetic forces/torques and thus haptic sensation
Implementation Method 3
The cooling fluid source generates a fluid flow that pass over the surfaces of the coils to dissipate the heat generated by coils
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention is an electromagnetic-based haptic device that utilizes a flat wire coil type to provide the user with kinesthetic feedback in mid-air without direct contact. The invention comprises an array of flat wire coils, a localization system, a cooling fluid source, a magnetic agent attached to a stylus or a wearable device, current drivers and computer software. The flat wire coil comprises longitudinal packed flat conductive turns, each two turns are separated by an axial air gap. The cooling fluid source generates a fluid flow to pass over the surfaces of the coils to dissipate the heat generated by the device during the operation. The array of flat-wire coils is used to generate controlled magnetic fields and magnetic field gradients at a point in the workspace, the magnetic agent is attached to a wearable device or a handhold stylus to translate the magnetic fields/magnetic fields gradients to forces/torques feedback and thus haptic sensation.