Fluid-Based Haptic Actuator for Flexible Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic actuators consume significant power and lack flexibility, making them unsuitable for discrete implementations in applications beyond traditional electronic devices and wearable articles.
Innovation Solution
A haptic actuator using fluid to increase the stiffness of a flexible substrate, where the fluid moves through a channel in response to an electrical field, altering the substrate's stiffness to deliver tactile sensations and communicate information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional haptic actuators are used, then haptic effects can be delivered, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical haptic actuators with a fluid-based system that uses electrostatic forces to move fluid through channels in a substrate, substituting mechanical actuation with an electro-fluidic mechanism to reduce power consumption while maintaining haptic effect delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluid dynamics by moving conductive fluid through channels defined in a flexible substrate to change the substrate's stiffness and deliver haptic effects, utilizing hydraulic principles to achieve tactile feedback with lower power consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional haptic actuators are used, then haptic effects can be delivered, but flexibility and form factor are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate with defined channels that can be bent and conform to different surfaces, allowing the haptic actuator to be integrated into wearable articles and discrete implementations while maintaining reliable haptic effect delivery through fluid movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamically adaptable system where the substrate's stiffness can be changed on-demand by controlling fluid movement through channels, enabling the same device to transition between flexible and stiff states to deliver various haptic effects
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
This solution reduces power consumption and enhances flexibility, enabling effective haptic effects in various applications, including wearable devices, by changing the substrate's stiffness in response to fluid movement.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid moves through the channel in response to a predetermined field
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the substrate proximal to the fluid is stiffer than a portion of the substrate spaced from the fluid. The stiffness of the substrate changes in response to the moving fluid
Implementation Method 3
When the field has one polarity, an oxide is deposited on the liquid metal and the liquid metal flows through the channel in one direction. When the field has an opposite polarity, the oxide is removed from the liquid metal
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic effect enabled system generates a haptic effect using an electric potential responsive fluid. A haptic enabled apparatus includes a fluid and a substrate. The fluid is responsive to an electric field. The substrate is at least partially flexible and defines a channel. The fluid is positioned within at least a portion of the channel. A portion of the substrate proximal to the fluid is stiffer than a portion of the substrate spaced from the fluid, thereby creating a haptic effect.