Wearable Haptic Jamming Assembly for Unimpeded Finger Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic devices impede dexterity and motion of users in virtual and augmented reality applications, as they are cumbersome and restrict movement, especially when haptic stimulations are required.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device with novel jamming assemblies anchored to the back of the user's hand, featuring a jamming lever, actuator, and slidable ratchet, which allows for unimpeded movement until a jammed state is activated, preventing finger movement in specific directions to create haptic feedback without encumbering the user's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional haptic devices are used to provide haptic stimulations, then haptic feedback is achieved, but dexterity and motion of the user are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device is segmented into separate functional components: a jamming assembly anchored to the back of the hand and elongated elements attached to the fingers. This segmentation allows the haptic feedback mechanism to operate independently without directly impeding finger dexterity and motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated elements serve as intermediaries that transmit force from the jamming assembly (anchored on the back of the hand) to the fingers. This intermediary mechanism enables haptic feedback while maintaining natural finger movement capability.
2Force
If haptic devices are designed to provide substantial jamming force, then haptic stimulation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jamming assembly utilizes a ratchet mechanism that provides mechanical advantage, allowing a relatively small actuator force to generate substantial jamming force on the fingers. The ratchet's tooth engagement creates a force multiplication effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-actuator mechanical systems with a simplified ratchet-based jamming mechanism. The ratchet's inherent mechanical advantage provides substantial force without requiring multiple actuators or complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If jamming assemblies are anchored close to the constrained finger portion, then haptic feedback precision is improved, but user motion freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jamming assembly is extracted from the finger and anchored to the back of the hand instead. This relocation maintains haptic feedback precision through the elongated elements while completely preserving natural finger motion freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system transitions from a two-dimensional finger-mounted configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement where the jamming assembly is positioned on the back of the hand, using the elongated elements as force transmission members. This spatial reconfiguration preserves both precision and motion freedom.
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 device provides effective haptic feedback that enhances the virtual and augmented reality experience by allowing free movement until desired, with a single actuator effectively restricting finger movement, thus improving user interaction without encumbrance.
Implementation Method 1
a slidable ratchet (e.g., a slidable member or slidable mechanism) configured to move back and forth in response to movement of a first of the user's fingers
Implementation Method 2
The haptic device is able to provide a substantial jamming force, such that the wearer is unable to overcome the jamming force
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic device is provided that includes a jamming assembly, anchored to the back of a user's hand, having (i) a jamming lever, (ii) an actuator to move the jamming lever from a first position to a second position different from the first position, and (iii) a slidable member configured to move back and forth in response to movement of a first of the user's fingers. The haptic device also includes an elongated element with opposing first and second end portions, where (i) the first end portion is anchored to a predefined portion of the user's first finger, and (ii) the second end portion is attached to an end portion of the slidable member. The jamming lever, when moved to the second position by the actuator, engages with a portion of the slidable member to prevent movement of the member, the elongated element, and the user's finger in a direction.