Switchable Fluidic Device for Wearable Haptic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable devices for virtual reality (VR) systems are often bulky and complex, detracting from the user experience due to their circuitry, which can be heavy and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluidic devices, which function analogous to electronic components, are integrated into wearable devices to provide haptic feedback and control actuators, allowing for a more compact and efficient VR experience by using channels with gates that regulate fluid flow based on pressure, enabling composite fluidic devices for haptic apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic circuitry is used in wearable VR devices, then the devices can provide complex control and haptic feedback functions, but the devices become bulky, heavy, and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic circuitry with fluidic devices that use pneumatic (gas pressure) control mechanisms. Fluidic transistors, logic gates, and other computational elements are implemented using pressurized gas flowing through channels and valves, eliminating the need for heavy electronic components while maintaining complex control capabilities in wearable VR devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic circuitry is used in wearable VR devices, then the devices can provide complex control and haptic feedback functions, but the devices become bulky and complex in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements complex computational functions using fluidic devices with simple mechanical structures. Fluidic transistors, amplifiers, and logic gates are constructed using gas channels, diaphragms, and valves rather than complex electronic circuits, reducing structural complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides complex control functions into modular fluidic components such as individual fluidic transistors, logic gates, and signal processing elements that can be assembled like building blocks. This segmentation allows complex control systems to be constructed from simple, standardized fluidic modules, reducing overall structural complexity
3Reliability
If fluidic devices are used to control haptic actuators, then the wearable device can provide effective haptic feedback, but the device requires a fluid control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control system and actuation system into a single integrated fluidic platform. The same pressurized gas that controls the fluidic transistors and logic gates is also used to directly actuate haptic feedback mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate electrical control systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable haptic feedback
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
This solution allows for a more immersive and user-friendly VR experience by providing effective haptic feedback while reducing the bulk and complexity of wearable devices, enhancing the interaction with virtual objects.
Implementation Method 1
The gate is configured to impart an amount of deformation to the deformable surface in accordance with an applied fluid pressure at the gate
Implementation Method 2
The flexible element has at least one edge coupled to the inner surface of the channel conduit on a different side of the inner surface as the protrusion, and the flexible element has an adjustable position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic device controls fluid flow in a channel conduit from a fluid entrance to a fluid exit. In some embodiments, the fluidic device comprises the channel conduit, a flexible element, a cross member, and a gate. The channel conduit is bounded by an inner surface that includes a protrusion. The flexible element is coupled to the inner surface of the channel conduit on a different side of the inner surface as the protrusion. The cross member has a first end that is coupled to a deformable surface that is part of the inner surface of the channel conduit and a second end that is coupled to the flexible element. The gate is configured to deform the deformable surface in accordance with a fluid pressure at the gate. An amount of deformation imparted by the gate controls a position of the flexible element via the cross member.