Fluidic Haptic Glove Matrix for Lightweight VR Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices for virtual reality (VR) systems are hindered by complex, bulky, and heavy circuitry, which limits their compactness, reliability, and scalability, leading to a suboptimal user experience due to thermal dissipation, power distribution, and energy storage constraints.
Innovation Solution
A large scale integration (LSI) device is developed, combining fluidic and non-fluidic circuits using polymer and fabric materials, with specific design rules and manufacturing processes to create a compact, efficient, and scalable haptic glove system that integrates control, sensing, and actuation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuitry is used in wearable VR devices, then sensing and actuation functions can be implemented, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic circuitry with a fluidic-based system. Fluidic circuits are used for sensing, control, and actuation functions, eliminating the need for heavy electronic components, batteries, and thermal management systems. The fluidic system uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles to achieve the same functionality with significantly reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic circuits and fluidic components as the core mechanism. Fluidic logic gates, fluidic amplifiers, and pneumatic actuators replace electronic systems. The wearable device uses compressed gas or liquid flow to perform computational and actuation tasks, enabling lightweight construction while maintaining full functionality.
2Power
If conventional circuitry with high power consumption is used, then adequate power can be provided for sensors and actuators, but thermal dissipation becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic system replaces high-power electronic components with low-power pneumatic mechanisms. Fluidic logic operations require minimal power, primarily for driving small pumps or compressors. The actuators use pneumatic pressure directly from the fluidic system, eliminating the need for high-current electric motors and their associated thermal management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic power consumption is replaced by mechanical energy stored in compressed gas or spring mechanisms. The system uses potential energy from pre-compressed gas reservoirs or mechanical springs to drive actuators, eliminating continuous electrical power consumption and the resulting thermal dissipation problems.
3Reliability
If complex assemblies are implemented in wearable devices, then enhanced tactile and kinesthetic experiences can be achieved, but the physical dimensions of the glove are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensing, control logic, and actuation functions into a unified fluidic circuit system. Multiple functions are combined within the same fluidic network, eliminating the need for separate electronic control units, sensors, and actuators. This merging allows complex functionality to be achieved within the constrained volume of a wearable glove.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic circuit system performs multiple functions using the same physical infrastructure. The fluidic network serves as both the power distribution system, control logic system, and actuation system. Sensors detect fluid pressure or flow changes, the same fluid lines deliver power to actuators, and fluidic logic gates provide control, creating a multi-functional system that fits within tight spatial constraints.
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, allows control of multiple devices, and enables mass manufacturing, resulting in a more compact, reliable, and scalable VR haptic system that enhances user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastomeric layer of a large scale integration (LSI) device is formed on a substrate
Implementation Method 2
the first elastomeric layer having channels for the operation of fluid-based circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable glove for interacting with virtual objects is described herein. An example wearable glove includes a fabric material to be worn on a user's hand. The wearable glove also includes 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. The wearable glove additionally includes a non-fluidic actuator configured to restrict movement of one of the user's digits; and one or more position sensors for monitoring positional data used to a determine a position of the wearable glove within a three-dimensional space. The wearable device can control the at least one fluidic actuator and the at least one non-fluidic actuator to simulate real-world interactions in the artificial-reality environment based on the position of the wearable device as compared to respective positions of virtual objects.