Pneumatic Haptic Pods with Nested Structures for Dynamic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic devices used in virtual and augmented reality constrain user dexterity and motion, detracting from the overall experience by being cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device incorporating 'pods' with flexible, durable materials and an airtight bladder connected to a pneumatic device, allowing for varying pressure states to create haptic stimulations without impeding user movement, by transitioning between flexible and semi-rigid states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional haptic devices are used to create haptic stimulations, then haptic feedback is provided, but user dexterity and motion are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device uses a flexible bladder that can dynamically change its rigidity state between flexible and rigid through pneumatic pressure control. This allows the device to transition from a compliant state during normal movement to a rigid state when haptic feedback is needed, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable haptic feedback and maintaining user dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameter of rigidity by adjusting pneumatic pressure within the bladder. When pressure is applied, the bladder transitions from a flexible state to a rigid state, enabling haptic feedback without permanently constraining user motion. This parameter change allows the same structure to serve both purposes
2Reliability
If haptic devices are made rigid to provide adequate haptic stimulations, then haptic feedback quality improves, but the device becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a permanently rigid structure, the invention employs a flexible bladder that becomes rigid only when pneumatic pressure is applied. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve adequate haptic stimulation quality on demand while maintaining a simple, lightweight, and flexible structure during normal wear
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic device utilizes a flexible bladder as its primary structure, which can be inflated or deflated to change rigidity. This approach replaces heavy rigid components with a lightweight flexible membrane, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to provide quality haptic feedback when needed
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 wearable device provides haptic feedback that enhances user experience by allowing free movement while simulating touch and motion, tailored to specific body areas through adjustable pressure and internal structure designs.
Implementation Method 1
an airtight bladder surrounding the internal structure. The bladder may be connected to a pneumatic device that is configured to control a pressurized state of the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for creating haptic stimulations is provided. The apparatus includes pod(s) coupled to a garment, each pod including: (i) an outer internal structure that defines an opening, (ii) an inner internal structure disposed in the opening defined by the outer internal structure, and (iii) an airtight bladder, pneumatically coupled with a pneumatic device, surrounding the inner and outer internal structures. Further, when a bladder of a respective pod is at a first pressure, respective top surfaces of the internal structures contact a first portion of a user's body, said contact with the first portion of the body having a first area, and when the bladder is at a second pressure, the top surface of the inner internal structure and/or the top surface of the outer internal structure contact a second portion of the user's body, said contact with the second portion of the body having a second area.