Modular Tactile Vest Layout for Secure Fit and Free Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile stimulus providing apparatuses face challenges in easily changing size, maintaining firm fixation on the user's body, and avoiding interference with input behavior.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a modular design with detachable panels and actuators, utilizing ERM motors, and a locking mechanism with fasteners and isolators to ensure secure attachment and vibration isolation, along with a wiring system that simplifies connections using sub-PCBs and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tactile stimulus providing apparatus uses a fixed size design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be easily adjusted to fit different body parts or clothing sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple detachable panels (first front panel, second front panel, rear panel) that can be separately assembled and disassembled. Each panel contains actuators and can be independently adjusted, allowing the overall size to be modified by adding or removing panels while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable shoulder straps, waist assemblies, and side panels that can be dynamically reconfigured. The locking mechanism with fasteners enables the structure to transition between fixed and adjustable states, allowing users to adapt the apparatus to different body sizes or clothing types without redesigning the entire system.
2Reliability
If the tactile stimulus providing apparatus uses a loose fit design, then it is comfortable for the user, but it cannot remain firmly fixed during intense input behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is pre-configured with multiple attachment points and locking mechanisms (zippers, buttons, Velcro fasteners) positioned strategically on panels and straps. These preliminary structural arrangements ensure that when the apparatus is worn, it automatically maintains firm fixation through distributed attachment points, while still allowing user input movements without requiring additional adjustment actions during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the apparatus have different fixation characteristics - the shoulder straps and waist assembly provide strong anchoring points with multiple fasteners, while the front panels with actuators maintain closer contact with the body surface. This localized variation in fixation strength ensures overall stability during intense input behavior while preserving comfort and freedom of movement in critical areas.
3Reliability
If the tactile stimulus providing apparatus is designed to be close-fitting, then it provides effective tactile stimulus, but it may interfere with the user's input behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the contact surface into multiple discrete panels with actuators positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows the tactile stimulus to be delivered effectively at key body points while leaving other areas open or less constrained, preserving the user's ability to perform input gestures without interference from a completely encasing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates clothing layers (socks, gloves, shoes) as intermediaries between the actuators and the user's skin. This intermediary layer allows the actuators to maintain close contact for effective tactile stimulus delivery while the clothing material provides flexibility and comfort, preventing direct interference with the user's input behavior. The locking mechanism secures these intermediate layers in place.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tactile stimulus providing apparatus uses detachable panels, then the size can be easily changed, but the fixation may become less secure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with multiple fastening points (zippers, buttons, Velcro strips) positioned at strategic locations on each panel and corresponding attachment points on adjacent panels. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when panels are detached and reattached for size adjustment, the fixation is immediately secured at multiple points, maintaining reliability without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus combines multiple types of fasteners (zippers for main panel connections, buttons for secondary attachments, Velcro for adjustable straps) within a unified locking mechanism system. This merging of different fastening methods provides redundant security - if one fastening type is insufficient, others compensate - while still allowing easy detachment and reattachment for size changes. The isolated actuator cases further merge structural support with fixation functions.
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
Enables easy size adjustment, firm fixation, and non-interfering operation, providing a comfortable and effective tactile stimulus experience without compromising user input functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the actuators may include a driver and an eccentric mass body that are rotatably connected to each other. The driver may be driven by an electromagnetic force or the like to rotate the eccentric mass body.
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the actuators may be covered by an isolator. The isolator may cover at least a part of a driver, and the driver may not be in direct contact with the panel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tactile stimulus providing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a tactile stimulus providing apparatus in the form of a vest and includes a first front panel including first actuators arranged between one side and the other side, a second front panel including second actuators arranged between one side and the other side, and a rear panel including third actuators and connected to the first front panel and the second front panel, wherein the first front panel further includes a first recess formed to extend along the one side, and the second front panel further includes a second recess formed to extend along the one side.