Multichannel Fluidic Routing for Modular Wearable Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluidic systems for haptic feedback in AR and VR applications face challenges in achieving high-density haptic actuation with a low encumbrance form-factor, modularity, and easy assembly/disassembly, as they often require permanent integration of tubing to actuators, leading to stiffness and complexity, especially over articulated joints.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic routing architecture using multichannel tubing connected through connectors and a plug-and-play pneumatic breakout, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, and enabling modular replacement of components without permanent adhesive bonding, which converts individual fluidic channels into tubes connected to a fluidic control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent adhesive bonding is used to integrate tubing to actuators, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and stiffness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluidic routing into separate modular components: multichannel tubing, connectors, and actuators. Each component can be independently assembled and disassembled without permanent bonding, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable connections through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors serve as intermediary components that bridge the multichannel tubing and actuators. These connectors provide reliable fluidic connections without requiring permanent adhesive bonding, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If individual tubing is routed to each actuator, then haptic feedback precision is improved, but encumbrance and stiffness increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual tubing channels are merged into a single multichannel tubing structure that contains multiple fluidic channels within one flexible conduit. This maintains the ability to independently control each actuator while reducing the overall encumbrance and stiffness compared to routing separate tubing to each actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel tubing is constructed with flexible materials that allow the tubing to conform to articulated joints and wearable device contours. This flexibility reduces stiffness and encumbrance while maintaining the structural integrity needed for precise haptic feedback delivery
3Ease of operation
If modular components are used for easy assembly/disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Connectors serve as intermediary components that provide standardized, reliable interfaces between modular components. These connectors are designed to maintain secure fluidic connections during repeated assembly and disassembly operations, preserving connection reliability while enabling easy assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design provides universal interfaces that can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without compromising connection integrity. The standardized connector geometry and sealing mechanisms ensure reliable connections across multiple assembly cycles, enabling both ease of operation and maintained reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system may include a fluidic system including a connector including a first side and a second side, each of the first side and the second side including a plurality of pins, a fluidic breakout configured to interface pneumatic tubing with a fluidic control system, pneumatic tubing including a plurality of fluidic channels, a first end configured to interface with the first side of the connector, and a second end configured to interface with the fluidic breakout, and a haptic feedback system including a plurality of actuators, each actuator coupled to a respective actuation tube configured to interface with a respective pin on the second side of the connector. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.