Fluidic Switching Devices for Wearable VR Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices for virtual reality (VR) systems are often bulky and complex, detracting from the user's experience due to their circuitry, which is not optimally designed for fluidic switching in VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluidic devices that function analogously to electronic components, such as transistors and diodes, which are composable to form composite devices for use in VR, AR, and MR systems, including haptic apparatuses, utilizing channels, gates, and obstructions to control fluid flow and pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic circuitry is used in wearable VR devices, then the devices can provide complex control functions, but the devices become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic circuitry with fluidic circuitry, using fluid flow and pressure differentials to perform logical operations and control functions. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy electronic components, batteries, and power management systems while maintaining computational capability through fluid-based logic gates and transistors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles to create fluidic devices that control fluid flow through channels, gates, and obstructions. Fluid pressure differentials drive the operation of fluidic transistors, diodes, and logic gates, enabling complex control functions without electronic components.
2Ease of operation
If electronic components are used for fluidic switching, then the switching function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switching components with fluidic analogs that operate on the same logical principles but use fluid flow instead of electrical current. Fluidic transistors, diodes, and logic gates provide the same switching and control functions as their electronic counterparts but with simpler, more intuitive fluid-based operation.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight wearable devices are created, then user comfort is improved, but the ability to provide complex control functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses fluid pressure differentials generated by fluidic devices to drive haptic actuators, providing tactile feedback without heavy motors or power systems. The fluidic logic circuitry controls fluid flow to create precise pressure variations that enable complex haptic feedback patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with fluidic control systems that use fluid flow and pressure to perform logical operations and control haptic output. This substitution maintains full control functionality while eliminating the weight of electronic components.
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
These fluidic devices enable the creation of lightweight, efficient, and compact wearable systems that provide effective haptic feedback, enhancing the VR, AR, and MR user experience by mimicking electronic circuitry with fluidic logic and control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The gate comprises at least one gate valve and a gate membrane. The gate valve changes a fluid pressure differential between the source and the gate. The position of the gate membrane is changed based on the fluid pressure differential between the source and the gate.
Implementation Method 2
The gate comprises at least one chamber whose volume expands with fluid pressure within the chamber. The obstruction controls a rate of fluid flow between the source and the drain in accordance with the fluid pressure within the gate.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic device controls fluid flow in channel from a source to a drain. In some embodiments, the fluidic devices comprises a gate, a channel, and an obstruction. The gate comprises at least one chamber whose volume increases with fluid pressure. A high pressure state of the gate corresponds to a first chamber size and a low pressure state of the gate corresponds to a second chamber size that is smaller than the first chamber size. The obstruction controls a rate of fluid flow within the channel based on the fluid pressure in the gate. The obstruction induces at most a first flow rate of fluid in the channel in accordance with the low pressure state of the gate, and at least a second flow rate of the fluid in the channel in accordance with the high pressure state of the gate.