Fluidic Switching Gates for Lightweight Wearable 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 experience due to their circuitry, which can be heavy and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluidic devices that function analogously to electronic components, such as transistors and diodes, which are composable to form composite devices for haptic feedback systems in VR, AR, and MR systems, allowing for lightweight and efficient haptic feedback in wearable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic circuitry is used in wearable VR devices, then haptic feedback functionality can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic circuitry with a fluidic system consisting of fluidic devices (analogous to electronic transistors and diodes), fluid channels, and fluid pressure sources. This mechanical/fluid-based substitution eliminates the need for heavy electronic components while maintaining the logical control functionality needed for haptic feedback in wearable VR devices.
2Reliability
If conventional electronic circuitry is used in wearable VR devices, then haptic feedback functionality can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex electronic circuitry with a fluidic system using devices that operate on simple fluid pressure principles. The fluidic devices mimic electronic logic operations through fluid flow control, reducing structural complexity while maintaining functional equivalence for haptic feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic/fluidic system where fluid pressure replaces electrical signals. Fluidic devices use pressure differentials to control fluid flow through channels, enabling logical operations and control functions without electronic components, thus simplifying the overall device architecture for wearable applications.
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
Enables a more immersive user experience by providing effective haptic feedback without the bulkiness of traditional circuitry, enhancing the functionality and comfort of VR, AR, and MR systems through the use of fluidic devices that control fluid flow for actuation in wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the gate controls a rate of fluid flow between the source and the drain in accordance with the fluid pressure within the gate
Implementation Method 2
The channel is configured to transport a fluid from a source to a drain
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic device controls fluid flow in channel from a source to a drain. In some embodiments, the fluidic device comprises a channel and a gate. The channel is configured to transport a fluid from the source to the drain. The gate controls a rate of fluid flow in the channel in accordance with the fluid pressure within the gate. Specifically, the gate is configured to induce a first flow rate of the fluid in the channel in accordance with a low pressure state of the gate, and a second flow rate of the fluid in the channel in accordance with a high pressure state of the gate. In certain embodiments, the first flow rate is greater than the second flow rate. In alternative embodiments, the second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate.