Flexible Thermoelectric Module for Body-Worn Thermal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric elements, primarily using planar substrates, are difficult to attach to body parts, limiting their application in providing thermal feedback, especially in virtual and augmented reality applications where a more flexible and effective means of thermal sensation is needed.
Innovation Solution
A feedback device featuring a flexible thermoelectric module with a substrate and a contact surface, controlled by a feedback controller to maintain temperature within a predetermined range and induce periodic temperature changes, providing effective thermal feedback through exothermic and endothermic operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar substrate is used for the thermoelectric element, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device is difficult to attach to body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid planar substrate with a flexible substrate that can conform to body contours. The flexible substrate allows the thermoelectric element to be attached to curved surfaces like wrists or ankles while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard flexible circuit board techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the substrate flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different body parts and movements. This flexibility enables the device to maintain contact with the skin during user movement while preserving the relatively simple manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If the thermoelectric module operates continuously, then thermal feedback is consistently provided, but waste heat accumulates reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the thermoelectric module to operate in alternating cycles of heating and cooling phases. During the heating phase, thermal feedback is provided to the user; during the cooling phase, waste heat is dissipated. This periodic operation maintains consistent thermal feedback perception while preventing heat accumulation that would reduce effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using a temperature sensor to monitor the thermoelectric module temperature and a controller to adjust operation accordingly. When the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller switches the module to a cooling phase to dissipate waste heat, then returns to heating phase when temperature decreases, creating an automatic feedback loop that maintains optimal operating conditions.
3Power
If the contact surface temperature is maintained at maximum, then thermal feedback intensity is high, but user comfort decreases due to excessive temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by cycling the contact surface temperature between a maximum temperature (providing strong thermal feedback) and a lower temperature (maintaining comfort). The controller alternates between heating phases that reach the maximum temperature for intense feedback and cooling phases that reduce temperature to comfortable levels, creating a rhythmic pattern that maintains both intensity and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the contact surface temperature within a predetermined range rather than maintaining a fixed maximum temperature. The controller modifies the temperature parameter periodically, increasing it to maximum for feedback intensity and then reducing it to maintain user comfort, thereby optimizing both thermal feedback power and user comfort through parameter 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
The solution enables improved thermal feedback perception by maintaining consistent temperature and inducing noticeable temperature changes, enhancing user engagement in VR and AR experiences through flexible and effective thermal interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelement disposed on the substrate and configured to perform a thermoelectric operation for thermal feedback (the thermoelectric operation including an exothermic operation and an endothermic operation)
Implementation Method 2
a contact surface disposed on the substrate, and configured to transfer heat generated through the thermoelectric operation to a user through the substrate and the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a feedback device and a method of providing thermal feedback using the same. The feedback device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric module including a substrate having flexibility, a thermoelement disposed on the substrate and configured to perform a thermoelectric operation for thermal feedback, and a contact surface disposed on the substrate, and configured to transfer heat generated through the thermoelectric operation to a user through the substrate and the contact surface to output the thermal feedback; and a feedback controller configured to control the thermoelectric module, and wherein the feedback controller controls the thermoelectric module so that, after a temperature of the contact surface reaches a maximum temperature, the temperature of the contact surface is maintained within a predetermined temperature range during an entire thermoelectric operation time interval.