Haptic Plate Actuator Wave Convergence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual reality systems require a large number of actuators to deliver haptic sensations over extended surfaces, leading to inconsistent experiences due to wave dispersion, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage actuator distribution for effective haptic sensation generation.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device with a haptic plate and concentric rings of actuators that generate and control haptic waves to converge at specific locations, using optical sensors to monitor displacement and adjust actuator activity for precise waveform creation and damping to prevent reflection, allowing for efficient haptic sensation delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large number of distributed actuators are used to deliver haptic sensations over extended surfaces, then the haptic sensation coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and actuator quantity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device divides the actuator array into multiple independently controllable groups or zones. Each group can be activated selectively based on the desired haptic sensation location, allowing extended surface coverage while reducing the number of actuators actively engaged at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of actuators to a three-dimensional configuration by incorporating multiple layers of actuators at different depths or heights. This vertical dimension allows for more efficient spatial utilization and reduced actuator count while maintaining extended surface coverage capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If more actuators are distributed across the surface, then the haptic sensation resolution is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the haptic surface are equipped with actuators having different densities or capabilities based on the specific haptic requirements of each zone. High-resolution areas receive more densely packed actuators, while lower-resolution areas use sparser distributions, optimizing overall system performance while reducing total actuator count.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: generating haptic waves, interfering waves to create spatial profiles, and dampening waves to prevent unwanted reflections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized actuators in different locations, simplifying the overall actuator distribution design.
3Device complexity
If actuators are arranged in perimeter configuration rather than distributed matrix, then the actuator quantity is reduced, but the haptic sensation uniformity deteriorates due to wave dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the actual haptic wave patterns and dispersion characteristics in real-time. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust actuator activation patterns, timing, and intensity to compensate for wave dispersion effects, maintaining haptic sensation uniformity despite the reduced actuator count from perimeter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes actuator operation parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and phase timing based on the desired haptic outcome and detected wave conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for wave dispersion and maintains consistent haptic sensations across the surface using fewer perimeter actuators.
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 haptic device provides consistent and precise haptic sensations by optimizing actuator placement and wave management, reducing the number of actuators needed and improving haptic experience across larger surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A system with one or more rows of actuators distributed around the perimeter of a thin metal surface has been demonstrated to be able to deliver haptic sensations in desired positions on the thin plate or membrane by sending waves that interfere, constructively or destructively, to generate the desired haptic sensation spatial profile
Implementation Method 2
Haptic devices need to account for dispersion of a vibrational wave as it passes through the haptic device plate, to avoid delivering inconsistent haptic experiences to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic device provides haptic sensation to a user. The haptic device comprises a haptic plate and a plurality of actuators. The haptic plate includes a center portion and an outer portion that circumscribes the center portion. The plurality of actuators is coupled to the outer portion of the haptic plate. Of the plurality of actuators, one or more actuators are configured to generate, in accordance with haptic instructions, a haptic wave that converges to a specific waveform at a specific region of the center portion of the haptic plate. The shape of the specific waveform and the location of the specific region on the center portion of the haptic plate are based in part on the haptic instructions.