Fluid-Actuated Haptic Jammer Sheet Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VR/AR systems fail to replicate physical sensations in the real world, as they do not effectively restrict or control user movement in the physical space when interacting with virtual objects, leading to a lack of immersive haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A sheet jammer device with inflatable bladders is anchored to a haptic glove, exerting friction forces on overlapping jamming sheets to restrict finger movement, allowing for controlled haptic feedback by varying the inflation pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional VR/AR systems are used without movement restriction, then user freedom of movement is maintained, but haptic feedback and physical sensation replication are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible jamming sheets that can be easily integrated into VR/AR headsets. These thin film structures provide movement restriction capability without adding significant bulk or complexity to the device, resolving the contradiction between haptic feedback capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic actuators to inflate and deflate the jamming sheets, enabling dynamic control of user movement. This pneumatic mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to achieve haptic feedback without complex mechanical structures, addressing the technical contradiction
2Reliability
If fluid pressure is increased to enhance haptic feedback, then movement restriction effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic inflation and deflation of the pneumatic actuators to create haptic feedback effects. Rather than maintaining constant high pressure, the system applies pressure periodically only when haptic feedback is needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining movement restriction effectiveness when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of fluid pressure based on user interaction needs. The system adjusts pressure levels in real-time, applying higher pressure only when haptic feedback is required and reducing pressure during normal operation, thereby balancing reliability and energy consumption
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 sheet jammer device provides effective haptic feedback by restricting finger movement, simulating interactions with virtual objects, enhancing the immersive experience by replicating physical sensations in VR/AR environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first contact area is configured to exert a first friction force against the portion of the first surface that is adjacent to the first contact area
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet jammer device comprises a first jamming sheet having a first surface within a compression region. A first inflatable bladder includes a first contact area within the compression region and a second jamming sheet has a surface within the compression. A second inflatable bladder that includes a second contact area that is within the compression region. An amount of inflation of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder controls the first friction force and the second friction force to restrict movement of the first jamming sheet relative to the second jamming sheet.