Thermal Pixel Array Device for Curved Surface Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interfaces and medical devices face challenges in miniaturization and flexibility for multi-point stimulation, particularly in providing thermal and vibratory stimulation on curved surfaces, with limitations in controlling temperature patterns and combining thermal and vibratory effects.
Innovation Solution
A thermal pixel array device with flexible heating and cooling elements that can conform to curved surfaces, allowing programmable control of temperature and vibration patterns, using flexible materials and adjustable pixel spacing for customizable stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If motor actuators or piezoelectric elements are used for vibration stimulation, then vibration stimulation capability is achieved, but device size and complexity increase, making miniaturization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional motor actuators and piezoelectric elements with thermal actuators that use heat-induced expansion and contraction of materials to generate vibration. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same vibration stimulation effect through thermal-mechanical coupling, thereby reducing device size and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from electrical-driven mechanical motion to thermally-driven dimensional changes. By controlling temperature parameters of the thermal actuators, the system achieves vibration stimulation without requiring complex mechanical structures, thus resolving the contradiction between vibration capability and device complexity.
2Temperature
If a single flat stimulator is used for thermal stimulation, then thermal stimulation is provided, but the device cannot conform to curved body surfaces or provide multi-point stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulator into multiple independent thermal pixel elements arranged in an array. Each pixel can be independently controlled to provide thermal stimulation at different locations. This segmentation allows the device to conform to curved body surfaces and provide multi-point simultaneous stimulation, resolving the contradiction between thermal stimulation capability and adaptability to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexibility and adjustability to the device structure, allowing the pixel array to dynamically adapt to different body contours. The flexible substrate and adjustable pixel spacing enable the device to conform to various curved surfaces, transforming a static flat stimulator into a dynamic adaptable system that maintains thermal stimulation effectiveness across different application scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed pixel spacing is used in the thermal array, then manufacturing is simplified, but the distance between stimulation points cannot be varied for different application needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable pixel spacing mechanisms that allow the distance between thermal pixels to be dynamically modified. This can be achieved through flexible substrates that allow stretching or compression, or through mechanical adjustment systems. The dynamic spacing capability enables the device to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design and standardized connection interfaces.
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
Enables flexible and portable multi-point stimulation on curved surfaces, allowing for dynamic temperature and vibration patterns, improving user experience in gaming and medical applications while overcoming previous limitations in miniaturization and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
heating-cooling pixels... parameters of stimulation of individual elements in the array may be controlled in a programmable manner
Implementation Method 2
thermal stimulation element can substantially contact a curved surface
Implementation Method 3
actuation and vibratory stimulation can be achieved by using the thermal energy of the pixels for actuation and/or vibratory motion
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal pixel array stimulating device is disclosed providing flexibility between the different pixels of the array to enable wrapping of the device over a curved surface of the human body by connecting the pixel substrates by flexible material or linkages. The distance between the pixels may further optionally be adjustable. A controller may control the temperature pattern generated by the array. The controller may be programmable to provide a temperature pattern. Individual pixels may be provided with sensors to measure stimulus, with the outputs from such sensors being directed to data recordal and display devices. Stimulation modes provided may include at least one of vibratory stimulation, actuation stimulation, thermal stimulation or a combination of two or more of them.