Stretchable Sensing Glove for Hand-Size-Calibrated Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft sensing gloves face challenges in achieving stable hand motion measurements due to environmental interference and require individual manufacturing for varying hand sizes, leading to low precision.
Innovation Solution
A soft sensing glove with a stretchable sensor member made of silicone and liquid metal sensors that adjusts to hand size, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy by detecting hand movements and pressure through deformations in the sensor member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional IMU-based sensors or camera imaging are used for hand motion measurement, then the device can capture hand movements, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based IMU sensors and optical camera systems with a purely mechanical sensing approach. Strain sensors embedded in the glove fabric detect hand movements through mechanical deformation, eliminating susceptibility to magnetic and optical environmental interference while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible substrate as an intermediary between the hand and the sensors. This substrate mechanically couples the hand movements to the strain sensors, allowing accurate measurement while isolating the electronic components from direct environmental exposure.
2Measurement precision
If a single soft sensing glove design is used for all users, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to varying hand sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal glove structure with adjustable fastening mechanisms that can accommodate different hand sizes. The sensor layout and substrate design remain consistent across all gloves, while the fastening system allows customization to fit individual users, eliminating the need for multiple glove designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow the glove to dynamically adapt to different hand sizes. Users can modify the tightness and positioning of the glove, enabling a single design to serve multiple hand dimensions while maintaining sensor accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor member region is made of stiff material for structural support, then the glove maintains its shape, but the sensor sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the sensor member. The sensor-containing regions use flexible, sensitive materials that deform easily with hand movements, while non-sensor regions use stiffer materials for structural support. This localized differentiation optimizes both sensitivity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures in the sensor member, combining flexible substrates with sensor elements in specific regions. This composite approach allows the sensor regions to remain highly responsive to deformation while the overall structure maintains adequate support through the combination of materials.
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 glove provides high-precision hand movement and pressure sensing, accommodating varying hand sizes with adjustable attachment and improved measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the signal processor may measure deformation by sensing a change in resistance of the liquid metal when a region where the sensor is disposed is deformed due to the movement of the hand
Implementation Method 2
a sensor member that is formed of an elastic material, fixed to an outer side of the glove
Data Source
AI summary
A soft sensing glove includes a glove in the shape of a hand, wearable by a user; a sensor member that is formed of an elastic material, fixed to an outer side of the glove, and includes one or more sensors whose electrical properties change according to movement of the hand; and a signal processor that receives signals of the sensor to identify the movement of the hand. The signal processor, when a wearer wears the glove, receives the signals of the sensor to detect the size of the hand, and measures the movement of the hand based on the hand size.