Haptic Device Using Passive Resonators for Localized Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic systems for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications are limited in providing lightweight and efficient tactile feedback, often requiring excessive active elements that increase weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device comprising an active element and multiple passive resonators, each with a unique resonant frequency, that transmit energy via a waveguide to create localized haptic effects, utilizing lightweight materials and designs such as wearable gloves or wristbands to deliver targeted tactile sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple active haptic elements are used to provide tactile feedback at multiple locations, then haptic coverage and effectiveness are improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device divides the hand into multiple segments (fingers, palm, wrist) and assigns different resonant frequency ranges to each segment. This segmentation allows a single actuator to selectively excite specific body parts by transmitting vibrations at the appropriate frequency range, eliminating the need for multiple actuators at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes mechanical vibration and resonance principles to create haptic effects. By transmitting vibrations at resonant frequencies specific to different body parts, the system amplifies the haptic effect at target locations without requiring proportional increases in actuator power or quantity. The resonance phenomenon allows efficient energy transfer to specific anatomical regions.
2Reliability
If multiple active haptic elements are used to provide tactile feedback at multiple locations, then haptic coverage and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator serves multiple functions by being capable of transmitting vibrations across a broad frequency spectrum. This universal actuator can selectively excite different body parts (fingers, palm, wrist) by adjusting the vibration frequency, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized actuators. The waveguide structure also serves dual purposes as both a mechanical connector and a vibration transmission medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls haptic effects by changing the frequency parameter of vibrations transmitted through the waveguide. By adjusting the vibration frequency to match resonant frequencies of different body parts, the system selectively activates specific haptic zones without physical reconfiguration or additional components. This parameter-based control simplifies the device architecture compared to multi-actuator systems.
3Measurement precision
If resonant frequencies are used to activate passive elements, then haptic intensity and precision are improved, but frequency control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive resonant elements (body parts) perform the work of frequency selection and amplification themselves. When the actuator transmits vibrations across a frequency spectrum, the body parts naturally resonate at their characteristic frequencies without requiring active control or feedback mechanisms. This self-resonating behavior simplifies the control system, as the biological structures themselves provide the frequency discrimination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the natural resonant frequencies of human body parts to achieve precise haptic localization. Each body segment has inherent resonant characteristics that amplify vibrations at specific frequencies, providing natural frequency filtering and localization without requiring complex electronic control or sensors. The mechanical resonance phenomenon inherently provides the precision needed for targeted haptic feedback.
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 solution enables lightweight and efficient haptic feedback by selectively activating passive elements with resonant frequencies, allowing for precise and intense tactile sensations without the need for extensive active components, enhancing user experience in VR, AR, and MR environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each passive element has a respective response to a wave transmitted by the active element and is configured to cause a respective haptic effect at a respective location away from the active element. In some embodiments, the respective response is a resonant frequency.
Implementation Method 2
When the active actuator transmits the wave at one of the resonant frequencies of the passive elements, the associated passive element is configured to vibrate more than other of the passive elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic device including an active element and a plurality of passive elements coupled to the active element. Each passive element has a respective response to a wave transmitted by the active element, and is configured to cause a respective haptic effect at a respective location away from the active element. In some embodiments, the respective response includes resonating when energy having a resonant frequency is received. In some embodiments, the wave transmitted by the active element is in the form of a vibration or acoustic energy.