Electronic Force Dynamometer with Multi-Modal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pinch force dynamometers are limited in their applications, primarily providing a single data point and lacking the capability to interact with advanced technologies such as virtual reality, video games, and drone control, which require more nuanced force feedback and control.
Innovation Solution
An electronic force dynamometer system that incorporates force sensing resistors, color variable LEDs, piezoelectric sensors, and inertial measurement units, allowing for the transmission of force data to control LED colors, vibration intensity, and object movement in video games and virtual reality applications, and enabling the control of devices like drones and musical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pinch force dynamometers are used, then force measurement is achieved, but application scope is limited to single data point display
Solution Approach 1:
The force dynamometer is designed to perform multiple functions beyond simple force measurement. It includes LED indicators that provide visual feedback, piezoelectric sensors that generate vibration feedback, wireless communication capabilities for data transmission, and integration with external devices such as video games, virtual reality systems, and rehabilitation programs. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve diverse applications including therapeutic rehabilitation, sports training, entertainment, and research purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If force sensing resistors and additional components are integrated, then interactive control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated force dynamometer system. The force sensing resistor, piezoelectric sensors, LED indicators, wireless communication module, and control circuitry are merged into a single unified device. This integration allows the dynamometer to simultaneously measure force, provide visual feedback through LEDs, generate vibration feedback through piezoelectric sensors, and transmit data wirelessly, thereby improving interactive control capability while managing system complexity through consolidation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors and feedback mechanisms are added, then user engagement is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different types of feedback mechanisms at specific locations within the device to enhance user engagement. LED indicators are positioned to provide visual feedback corresponding to force magnitude, piezoelectric sensors are integrated to provide tactile vibration feedback, and wireless communication capabilities are incorporated for data transmission. Each component is strategically placed and configured to provide specific local feedback, enhancing overall user engagement while allowing for modular manufacturing approaches.
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 wide range of applications beyond traditional force measurement, providing interactive feedback and control in gaming, virtual reality, and robotics, enhancing user engagement and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensing resistor that is mounted in operable association with the one or more plates and in electrical communication with the printed circuit board or controller such that the one or more force sensing resistors senses a force exerted on the one or more plates
Implementation Method 2
The printed circuit board or controller transmits a signal to at least one color variable light emitting diode (LED) that is in electrical communication with the one or more force sensing resistors and in electrical communication with the printed circuit board or controller to receive the force signal therefrom to change color of the one or more color variable LEDs
Implementation Method 3
the printed circuit board or controller transmits a signal to one or more piezoelectric sensors in electrical communication with the one or more force sensing resistors via the printed circuit board or controller such that the printed circuit board or controller controls intensity of vibrations and/or frequency of the vibrations of the one or more piezoelectric sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A force dynamometer includes at least one plate, a controller with a memory and at least one force sensing resistor that senses a force exerted on the one or more plates. The controller receives a signal indicating magnitude of the force and transmits a signal to at least one color variable light emitting diode (LED) to change color of the color variable LED in response to the force sensing resistor changing magnitude of the force signal transmitted to the controller. The controller may transmit a signal to one or more piezoelectric sensors such that the controller controls intensity of vibrations and/or magnitude of frequency of the vibrations of the one or more piezoelectric sensors. A force dynamometer system includes a computing device that displays or controls speed of a variable motion speed image or object or displays or controls a direction controllable image or object via the force dynamometer.