Optical Haptic Floor Tile Assembly for Modular Vibration Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic floors lack high performance, silence, flexibility of independent zones, projectability, maintenance ease, adaptability to unique venues, and capacity to handle large groups of people.
Innovation Solution
A direct drive haptic floor system with dynamic floor assemblies, optical floor tiles, and structural bridge panels that allow for independent vibration zones, easy installation, maintenance, and scalability, using actuators, bushings, and magnetic optical tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional haptic floor systems use embedded actuators and complex mechanical structures, then haptic feedback capability is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floor system is divided into modular dynamic floor assemblies, each containing an actuator, substructure, superstructure, and optical floor tile. These discrete modules can be independently installed, maintained, and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining haptic feedback functionality across the entire floor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable floor assemblies where the superstructure can be raised or lowered relative to the substructure. This dynamic configuration allows the floor to provide haptic feedback when elevated and return to a flat maintenance position when the actuator is deactivated, enabling easy access to underlying components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If optical floor tiles are permanently fixed to the floor structure, then structural stability is improved, but ease of maintenance and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The optical floor tiles are magnetically attached to the superstructure, allowing them to be firmly held during operation while easily removed when maintenance is needed. The magnetic connection provides sufficient holding force for structural stability during use, but allows quick detachment by overcoming the magnetic force, enabling easy access to the actuator and other components beneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary attachment mechanism between the optical floor tile and the superstructure. This magnetic connection provides a balance between secure attachment during operation and easy separation for maintenance, eliminating the need for permanent mechanical fasteners.
3Strength
If the floor system uses heavy-duty actuators and robust mechanical components, then loading capacity increases, but silent operation and ease of installation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The floor system is divided into discrete dynamic floor assemblies that can be independently manufactured and pre-assembled. Each module contains its own actuator, substructure, superstructure, and optical floor tile, allowing for standardized production and easy on-site installation without requiring heavy equipment or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods for securing optical floor tiles. This substitution eliminates the need for tools, drilling, or heavy fastening mechanisms, allowing for tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
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 system provides a high-quality, immersive experience with silent operation, easy maintenance, and adaptability to various environments, supporting large groups and enabling seamless transitions between zones.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of optical floor tiles are removably secured over the plurality of structural panels using magnetic forces
Implementation Method 2
an actuator secured to the substructure and configured to vibrate
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of bushings are configured to constrain movement of the substructure in response to operation of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A direct drive haptic floor system includes a plurality of dynamic floor assemblies configured to be spaced apart on a floor surface. Each of the plurality of dynamic floor assemblies comprises a substructure, an actuator secured to the substructure and configured to vibrate, and a plurality of connectors secured to the substructure and configured for elevating the substructure above the floor surface. The dynamic floor assemblies also include a plurality of bushings secured between the plurality of connectors and the substructure, a plurality of adjustable levelers extending from a top portion of the substructure, and a superstructure supported by the plurality of adjustable levelers. A plurality of structural panels are secured on top of the superstructure forming a planar surface, and a plurality of optical floor tiles are removably secured over the plurality of structural panels using magnetic forces.