Fluid-Driven Tactile Surface with Integrated Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sense providing apparatuses are large in size and require separate mechanisms to control deformations of deformable members, making them bulky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shape changeable apparatus with integrated deformable members and controlled fluid flow paths that expand and contract spaces based on user input, eliminating the need for separate deformation control mechanisms, thereby reducing size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate mechanisms are used to control deformations of deformable members, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple deformable members into a single integrated mechanism. The fluid supply unit supplies fluid to multiple spaces simultaneously through a unified flow path system, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each deformable member. This integration maintains control precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fluid supply unit performs multiple functions by controlling the deformation of different deformable members through a unified system. The flow path is designed to distribute fluid to multiple spaces, allowing one mechanism to serve multiple control purposes, thereby reducing the number of components needed.
2Measurement precision
If separate mechanisms are used to control deformations of deformable members, then control precision is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging separate control mechanisms into a single fluid supply unit with an integrated flow path system, the patent reduces the overall volume required for controlling multiple deformable members. The unified structure eliminates redundant components and reduces spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is designed to nest multiple fluid channels within a single supply unit structure. The flow path branches to reach multiple spaces while maintaining a compact, nested arrangement that minimizes the apparatus footprint while preserving control precision.
3Device complexity
If a single inflow control opening is used, then device complexity is reduced and size is reduced, but control flexibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple branches that distribute fluid to different spaces independently. Although there is a single inflow control opening, the segmented flow path allows selective control of different deformable members by regulating fluid flow to specific branches, maintaining control flexibility while simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path system is designed to dynamically distribute fluid flow based on operational requirements. The single inflow control opening can dynamically adjust fluid distribution to different spaces, providing adaptive control flexibility without requiring multiple separate control openings or mechanisms.
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 apparatus achieves a compact design while providing tactile feedback by controlling fluid flow to deformable members, allowing for a smaller and more efficient tactile sense providing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a space S1 which is obtained by excluding the space S2 from a space formed by the first deformable member 10 and the base 2, and a space S2 which is formed by the second deformable member 11 and the base 2; an inflow control opening 4 which is used to control flow of fluid into each of the first space S1 and the second space S2
Implementation Method 2
the first opening 14 being formed to be closed when a specified pressing operation is input to the first deformable member 10 and the second deformable member 11
Data Source
AI summary
A shape changeable apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a base, a first deformable member, a second deformable member, an inflow control opening, a first opening, a second opening, and a flow path. The first deformable member forms a first space between the first deformable member and the base. The second deformable member forms a second space between the second deformable member and the base. The inflow control opening controls flow of fluid into each of the first space and the second space. The first opening communicates with the first space, the first opening being formed to be closed when a specified pressing operation is input to the first deformable member and the second deformable member. The second opening communicates with the second space, the second opening being formed not to be closed when the specified pressing operation is input. The first opening and the second opening each communicate with the inflow control opening through the flow path.