Haptic Output Devices Using Segmented Foot Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing haptic output devices that provide a strong, appropriate, and comfortable sensation to users can be challenging, as existing devices may be too weak, incorrectly positioned, or overly bulky, making it difficult to replicate sensations like walking on different surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Haptic output devices incorporating foot-shaped structures with cavities, platforms, and components like magnets and electromagnets, along with piezoelectric, electroactive polymer, and electromagnetic actuators, generate shear forces and friction effects to simulate surface interactions, controlled by sensor signals and circuitry to provide tailored haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If haptic output components are made stronger to provide more intense sensation, then the haptic output strength is improved, but the device becomes overly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic output device divides the foot support structure into multiple segments (foot-shaped support structure with cavities, foot platforms with planar surfaces) and distributes haptic output components across these segments. This segmentation allows the device to provide strong haptic feedback through multiple distributed actuators rather than requiring a single large actuator, thereby maintaining intensity while reducing overall bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different haptic output components (piezoelectric components, electroactive polymer components, electromagnetic actuators) to different locations on the foot support structure based on where specific haptic effects are needed. This local quality approach ensures that strong haptic output is provided only where necessary, reducing the need for bulky components throughout the entire device.
2Manufacturing precision
If haptic output components are positioned to provide accurate sensation, then the haptic output positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-shaped support structure with cavities and foot platforms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define precise positioning for haptic output components, and create the tactile surface that contacts the user's foot. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms, as the support structure itself enables accurate component placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic output components are integrated directly into the foot support structure, which automatically provides the necessary positioning and support. The structure's geometry (cavities for foot reception, planar surfaces for platform placement) self-determines the optimal positions for haptic components, eliminating the need for complex external positioning systems.
3Volume of moving object
If haptic output components are made more compact to reduce bulk, then the device volume is reduced, but the haptic output strength becomes too weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of haptic output components (piezoelectric, electroactive polymer, electromagnetic actuators) within the compact foot support structure. By merging different actuation mechanisms that work together, the device achieves strong haptic output from a compact form factor, as the combined effect of multiple smaller components equals or exceeds that of a single larger component.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes composite construction by integrating different material-based actuators (piezoelectric ceramics, electroactive polymers, electromagnetic coils) within the foot support structure. This composite approach allows compact packaging of diverse haptic mechanisms that collectively deliver strong output forces without requiring any single component to be large.
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 devices effectively provide users with realistic haptic sensations of walking or sliding on various surfaces, enhancing user experience by ensuring strong, appropriate, and comfortable feedback, while being wearable and adaptable.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic output components may include piezoelectric components, electroactive polymer components, electromagnetic actuators
Implementation Method 2
The haptic output components may include piezoelectric components, electroactive polymer components, electromagnetic actuators
Implementation Method 3
The haptic output components may include piezoelectric components, electroactive polymer components, electromagnetic actuators
Implementation Method 4
In hybrid arrangements, haptic output devices include foot-shaped support structures with components such as magnets and foot-platform components with corresponding electromagnets
Data Source
AI summary
Haptic output devices may provide haptic output to a user. The haptic output devices may include foot-shaped structures with cavities configured to receive the feet of users. The haptic output devices may also include foot platforms with planar exterior surfaces on which a user may stand. In hybrid arrangements, haptic output devices include foot-shaped support structures with components such as magnets and a foot platform components with corresponding electromagnets. Haptic output components such as piezoelectric components, electroactive polymer components, electromagnetic actuators, and other haptic output components may be mounted to haptic output device support structures in arrays. Shear forces and forces normal to the inner surfaces of a foot-shaped support surface and/or the exterior surface of a foot platform may be generated. Haptic output may be generated based on sensor signals such as sensor signals associated with foot movement.