Articulating Joint Guide Structure to Prevent Clutch Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) systems fail to provide a satisfying tactile experience, as they do not effectively simulate the sensation of touching virtual objects, which is also a challenge in other applications like soft robotics.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a clutch mechanism that includes a flexible portion and a guide with an angular transition support surface to prevent slippage and buckling, allowing for controlled motion restriction of articulable joints, such as a glove with an electrostatic clutch mechanism, to provide lifelike haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible portion is used in the clutch mechanism to allow joint articulation, then the device achieves natural motion and comfort, but the flexible portion may slip off the joint during articulation
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible portion and the joint. The guide has a support surface with an angular transition that directs the flexible portion along a controlled path, preventing it from slipping off the joint during articulation while maintaining natural motion
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface of the guide incorporates an angular transition (curved path) instead of a straight line, matching the natural angular offset between the palm and finger surfaces. This curved geometry guides the flexible portion through the articulation motion without slippage
2Extent of automation
If the flexible portion spans an angularly offset joint, then the clutch mechanism can control finger motion, but the flexible portion may buckle away from the joint during extension
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure acts as a mediator that prevents the flexible portion from buckling by providing continuous support along its path. The angular transition in the support surface ensures the flexible portion remains aligned with the joint axis during extension, preventing buckling
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is pre-configured with the appropriate angular transition to anticipate and prevent buckling before it occurs. The support surface geometry is designed in advance to match the joint's angular offset, ensuring the flexible portion stays aligned throughout the motion range
3Reliability
If a guide with support surface is added to prevent slippage and buckling, then the clutch mechanism reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure can be implemented as a thin, flexible component that integrates into the existing clutch mechanism. This approach adds minimal structural complexity while providing the necessary support surface with angular transition to prevent slippage and buckling
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 effectively reduces friction and prevents buckling, enabling a more realistic tactile simulation of virtual objects, enhancing the VR and MR experience and applicable in various other fields like soft robotics and industrial safety.
Implementation Method 1
the support surface of the guide comprising an angular transition in a dimension transverse to a travel direction of the flexible portion as a function of distance along the travel direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
One example provides a system for selectively restricting motion of an articulable joint, the system comprising a base having a first portion configured to be positioned at a first side of the articulable joint and a second portion configured to be positioned at a second side of the articulable joint, a clutch mechanism comprising a flexible portion having a first end coupled to the first portion of the base and a second end coupled to the second portion of the base, and a guide coupled to the base, the guide comprising a support surface that supports the flexible portion between the first end and the second end as the flexible portion moves during articulation of the articulable joint, the support surface of the guide comprising an angular transition in a dimension transverse to a travel direction of the flexible portion as a function of distance along the travel direction.