Inflatable Bladder Curvature for VR Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VR/AR systems fail to provide realistic haptic feedback by not restricting user movement in the physical space when interacting with virtual objects, lacking a mechanism to replicate physical sensations in the real world.
Innovation Solution
A haptic device with an elastic planar member and an inelastic planar member, featuring inflatable bladders attached to the inelastic member, which changes curvature upon inflation to restrict finger movement, simulating resistance when interacting with virtual objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional VR/AR systems are used without movement restriction, then user freedom of movement is maintained, but realistic haptic feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device uses inflatable bladders that can dynamically change the curvature and rigidity of the planar member based on virtual object interaction requirements. When a virtual object is detected, the bladder inflates to create curvature and restrict movement; when not interacting, it deflates to allow free movement, thus resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and haptic realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of the planar member by inflating or deflating the bladder, transforming it from a flexible state (allowing movement) to a rigid curved state (restricting movement). This parameter change enables the system to provide realistic haptic feedback only when needed, maintaining user freedom otherwise.
2Reliability
If rigid structures are used to restrict movement, then haptic feedback is provided, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a permanently rigid structure, the patent employs a flexible planar member with an inflatable bladder that dynamically becomes rigid only when needed for haptic feedback. This eliminates the need for complex rigid mechanical structures while maintaining movement restriction capability during virtual object interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin flexible planar member with an inflatable bladder instead of thick rigid materials. The flexible shell approach provides movement restriction when inflated but maintains light weight and simplicity when deflated, avoiding the complexity and weight of traditional rigid haptic structures.
3Reliability
If curved surfaces are used to restrict movement, then haptic feedback is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curvature is not fixed but dynamically created through bladder inflation. The planar member naturally forms the required curvature when the bladder expands, eliminating the need for precision-manufactured curved surfaces. The curvature adapts to the inflation pressure rather than requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the curvature parameter of the planar member through bladder inflation rather than relying on fixed geometric curvature. This allows the haptic feedback quality to be adjusted by controlling inflation pressure rather than requiring high-precision manufacturing of curved surfaces.
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 effectively restricts finger movement, providing a realistic physical sensation of interacting with virtual objects, enhancing the VR/AR experience by integrating with existing fluidic circuits without increasing weight, cost, or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic planar member... An inflatable bladder is attached to a first surface of the inelastic planar member. Additional inflatable bladders may be attached to the additional inelastic planar members. The inflation of the inflatable bladder(s) causes a curvature in the inelastic planar member.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein disclose a haptic device that includes an elastic planar member. The haptic device also includes an inelastic planar member attached to the elastic planar member. Additional elastic and inelastic planar members may be attached to the inelastic planar member, with each elastic planar member attached to an inelastic planar member in an alternating fashion. An inflatable bladder is attached to a first surface of the inelastic planar member. Additional inflatable bladders may be attached to the additional inelastic planar members. The inflation of the inflatable bladder(s) causes a curvature in the inelastic planar member. This curvature increases the rigidity of the inelastic planar member.