Fluidic Haptic Glove Integration for Compact VR Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices for VR systems, such as gloves, are bulky, complex, and inefficient due to the integration of sensors and actuators, which are limited by physical constraints, thermal dissipation, power distribution, and energy storage, detracting from the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A large scale integration (LSI) device is developed, comprising fluidic and non-fluidic circuits, using polymer and fabric materials, with specific design rules and manufacturing processes, allowing for compact, efficient, and scalable integration of haptic devices like a haptic glove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensors and actuators are integrated in wearable devices, then tactile and kinesthetic experiences are enhanced, but the devices become bulky, complex, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sensors and actuators with fluidic circuits that use fluid pressure and flow to sense and actuate. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining sensing and actuation functions, directly resolving the contradiction between enhanced tactile experience and reduced device weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles by using fluidic circuits where fluid pressure differentials drive actuators and fluid flow through channels enables sensing. This approach uses lightweight fluid dynamics instead of heavy mechanical systems, achieving both enhanced tactile feedback and weight reduction
2Reliability
If complex assemblies of sensors and actuators are implemented, then user experience is enhanced, but physical constraints such as dimensions, thermal dissipation, and power distribution are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing and actuation functions into a single integrated fluidic circuit system. The same fluid network that drives actuators also enables sensing through fluid flow measurements, eliminating the need for separate mechanical assemblies and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuation medium for driving actuators and the sensing medium for detecting fluid flow and pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the contradiction between enhanced user experience and reduced device complexity
3Force
If fluidic actuators are used, then force density is increased with low thermal dissipation, but manufacturing precision and fluid leakage control are challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes fluidic circuit parameters such as channel dimensions, fluid viscosity, and pressure differentials to achieve high force density while minimizing thermal dissipation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains manufacturing feasibility and reduces fluid leakage risks, resolving the contradiction between enhanced force density and manufacturing precision
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 LSI device achieves high force density with low thermal dissipation, enabling compact and reliable haptic feedback, reducing manufacturing costs and fluid leakage, while allowing for complex fluidic circuits in a small space.
Implementation Method 1
The LSI device may include fluidic and non-fluidic circuits, and may be used as a component in a VR/ARNIR device. For example, the LSI device may be part of the control, sensing, and actuation components of a haptic glove, and may comprise layers of fluidic and non-fluidic circuits. These layers may be composed of various polymer and fabric materials, and include channels for the flow of fluid
Implementation Method 2
The first elastomer layer is cured, and one or more additional elastomer layers of the LSI device are formed with the first elastomer layer according to the specified manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable glove for interacting with virtual objects in an artificial-reality environment is described herein. The wearable glove comprises a matrix made of an elastic polymer, the matrix including a plurality of voids, each respective void (i) including at least one fluidic actuator and ii) not being fluidically coupled with a positionally adjacent void of the plurality of voids included in the matrix. The wearable glove further comprises at least one fluidic control device coupled to the at least one fluidic actuator. The at least one fluidic control device provides (i) a first fluid pressure to the at least one fluidic actuator, which causes the at least one fluidic actuator to enter a high-pressure state and (ii) a second fluid pressure to the at least one fluidic actuator, which causes the at least one fluidic actuator to enter a low-pressure state.