Fluidic Pump and Latch Gate for Wearable Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices for virtual reality systems are often bulky and heavy due to complex circuitry, detracting from the user's experience.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluidic devices with a channel conduit, pump chamber, and valve apparatus to control fluid flow, allowing for the creation of composite devices that can function as controllers for haptic apparatuses on wearable devices, such as haptic gloves, by mimicking electronic devices and enabling haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional electronic circuitry is used in wearable devices, then device functionality is achieved, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic circuitry with fluidic devices that use fluid pressure and flow to perform logical operations and control functions. Fluidic devices manipulate fluid streams to achieve switching, amplification, and control capabilities previously requiring electronic components, thereby reducing weight and bulk while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles by using compressed gas or liquid to actuate haptic feedback mechanisms. Fluid pressure is used to inflate or deflate chambers that provide tactile resistance or vibration, replacing traditional electromagnetic actuators and reducing the overall system mass.
2Weight of moving object
If fluidic devices are used to control haptic feedback, then wearable device weight is reduced, but control precision over fluid flow must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where fluid pressure sensors detect the state of haptic chambers and adjust the fluid flow accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures precise regulation of fluid pressure and flow rate, maintaining accurate control over haptic feedback despite the absence of heavy electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic devices utilize dynamic fluid flow control where the rate and direction of fluid movement are continuously adjusted based on operational requirements. By exploiting the dynamic properties of fluid flow, the system achieves precise control over haptic feedback intensity and timing without requiring bulky positioning 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
This solution allows for a more user-friendly and immersive virtual reality experience by reducing the bulk and weight of wearable devices while providing effective haptic feedback through fluidic control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the valve apparatus is configured to change position to control a rate of fluid flow from the pump chamber into the channel conduit via the first fluid entrance of the channel conduit in accordance with a fluid pressure within the pump chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A fluidic device comprises a first channel conduit, a valve apparatus, and an additional element adjacent to the first channel conduit. The first channel conduit transports fluid from a first fluid entrance to a fluid exit. In one embodiment, the additional element is a pump chamber that receives fluid from a second fluid entrance and pumps fluid into the first channel conduit in accordance with fluid pressure. Alternatively, the additional elements include a second channel conduit and a neck of the first channel conduit. The first channel conduit and the second channel conduit share a common wall. Fluid pressure in the first channel conduit controls a valve apparatus. The value apparatus controls a rate of fluid flow in the first channel conduit by deforming the common wall to change a cross-sectional area of the neck, which changes a rate of fluid flow in the second channel conduit.