Pneumatic Actuation Cell Array for In-Bed Haptic Feedback Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electronic devices providing tactile feedback to users in bed are limited and can cause discomfort, lacking effective solutions for providing dynamic and comfortable haptic outputs.

Innovation Solution

An in-bed haptic device with an array of actuation cells and a control system that introduces pressurized air into these cells to provide haptic outputs, featuring a top and bottom layer with passages to couple the cells to the control system, allowing for localized deformation of the top surface to simulate various tactile experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electronic devices provide tactile feedback to users in bed, then tactile output is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates and the types of tactile feedback are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetypes of tactile feedbackVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the tactile feedback system into multiple independent actuation cells arranged in an array, where each cell can be individually controlled to provide different tactile patterns. This segmentation enables diverse tactile feedback types while maintaining comfort through localized, gentle actuation rather than rigid whole-device vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses pressurized air introduced into actuation cells to generate tactile feedback. This pneumatic approach replaces traditional mechanical vibrators or motors, providing softer, more comfortable tactile sensations that can be dynamically adjusted in intensity and pattern, thereby increasing versatility without compromising comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid mechanical structures are used for tactile feedback, then structural strength is maintained, but user comfort and adaptability of tactile patterns deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic tactile patternsVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation cells are constructed with flexible membranes or thin-walled structures that can deform smoothly when pressurized. This flexibility allows the creation of dynamic tactile patterns such as waves or localized pulses while maintaining user comfort through soft contact, replacing rigid mechanical components that would limit pattern diversity and reduce comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If an array of individually controlled actuation cells is implemented, then versatility of haptic outputs is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic output patternsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple actuation cells are integrated into a unified array structure with shared control logic. The control system manages all cells through a coordinated approach, introducing pressurized air to multiple cells in predetermined sequences to create complex haptic patterns. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to treating each cell as an independent device, while still enabling versatile haptic outputs through coordinated cell activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device offers a comfortable and dynamic means of providing haptic outputs, capable of simulating patterns like waves or raindrops, without causing discomfort, by using pressurized air to inflate and deflate bladders within the actuation cells, thus enhancing user interaction with electronic devices in a bed setting.

Implementation Method 1

a control system configured to introduce pressurized air into the actuation cells to provide haptic outputs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

Each actuation cell of the array of actuation cells may be configured to inflate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation:

Implementation Method 3

The array of actuation cells may be configured to locally deform the top layer to provide a haptic output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11896136B2Pneumatic haptic device having actuation cells for producing a haptic output over a bed mattress

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 APPLE INC

AI summary

An in-bed haptic device may include an array of actuation cells. Actuation cells of the array of actuation cells may be configured to actuate (e.g., expand, contract, or otherwise change shape) in a predetermined sequence to provide haptic outputs. The in-bed haptic device may be configured to be placed beneath a user during use, for example between a user and a mattress. The haptic outputs may be provided to help a user relax, to move and/or wake a user, to indicate outputs, alerts, or notifications at the in-bed haptic device or another electronic device, or the like.