Gyroscopic Precession Engine for Multi-Axis Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic engines in wearable devices, such as smartphones and head-mounted displays, are limited in providing continuous torque or force along multiple axes, which is essential for immersive experiences in Extended Reality (XR) applications like VR and AR, as they primarily offer vibrations along a single axis.
Innovation Solution
A gyroscopic precession engine is integrated into wearable devices, comprising a support structure, a servo motor, a spinning wheel, and a motor controller, allowing for continuous torque/force sensations by rotating the wheel mount and wheel at different angular velocities to produce torque, enabling movements in multiple degrees of freedom, such as yaw, pitch, and roll.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional vibration motors are used in wearable devices, then the device structure remains simple and energy consumption is low, but the device can only provide vibrations along a single axis and cannot provide continuous torque or force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the wheel is rotatably coupled to the wheel mount, with the second motor mounted on the wheel mount and the first motor mounted on the wearable device. This nested arrangement allows multiple rotational degrees of freedom within a compact form factor, enabling continuous torque generation while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the rotational speeds of both the wheel and wheel mount independently through two separate motors. By dynamically adjusting the angular velocities of both components, the system can generate variable torque outputs in multiple directions, transforming a static single-axis vibration motor into a dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom torque generation system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-axis vibration motor is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the haptic experience is limited and cannot provide immersive sensations in XR applications
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-motor gyroscopic system serves multiple functions: it can generate continuous torque for spatial guidance, create vibration sensations for notifications, produce centrifugal forces for immersive effects, and provide reaction forces for interaction feedback. This multi-functional capability allows a single haptic system to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-axis linear vibration to multi-dimensional rotational torque generation. By introducing the second rotational degree of freedom (wheel rotation perpendicular to wheel mount rotation), the system expands the haptic capability from one dimension to three dimensions, enabling immersive spatial sensations in XR applications
3Force
If gyroscopic precession engine is implemented with two motors and rotatable wheel, then continuous torque in multiple directions is achieved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise dimensional constraints for the wheel components to optimize the weight-to-torque ratio. The wheel radius is constrained to be between 0.01-0.05 meters and thickness between 0.005-0.015 meters, ensuring that the moment of inertia is sufficient for torque generation while keeping the mass minimal. This localized optimization of component dimensions balances weight and performance
4Weight of moving object
If the wheel radius and thickness are minimized to reduce weight, then the device becomes lighter and more wearable, but the moment of inertia decreases reducing torque output
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for reduced moment of inertia by dynamically adjusting the angular velocities of both the wheel and wheel mount. The control system can increase rotational speeds to maintain torque output (T = I × α), allowing the use of smaller, lighter wheels while preserving haptic effectiveness through parameter optimization rather than relying solely on mass
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 gyroscopic precession engine provides a more immersive experience by synchronizing forces with visual content, simulating sensations like air pressure, centrifugal forces, and reaction feedback, enhancing user engagement in VR applications.
Implementation Method 1
a gyroscopic precession engine coupled to the support structure, the gyroscopic precession engine, comprising: a first motor configured to rotate a wheel mount at a first angular velocity; at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the wheel mount and configured to spin at a second angular velocity
Implementation Method 2
the wheel mount is configured, when spinning, to move in free space in response to a torque produced by a product of the first angular velocity of the wheel mount and the second angular velocity and a moment of inertia of the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for a gyroscopic precession engine for wearable devices. In an embodiment, a wearable device comprises: a support structure including at least one attachment mechanism for attaching the support structure to a human body part; at least one gyroscopic precession engine coupled to the support structure, the gyroscopic precession engine, comprising: a first motor configured to rotate a wheel mount at a first angular velocity; at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the wheel mount and configured to spin at a second angular velocity different than the first angular velocity; a second motor configured to spin the wheel at the second angular velocity; and at least one motor controller coupled to the first motor and the second motor, the at least one motor controller configured to rotate the wheel mount at the first angular velocity and spin the wheel at the second angular velocity, thereby producing a torque in a desired direction.