Wearable Thermo-Touch Haptic Interface With Quiet Pneumatic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haptic feedback devices for virtual reality (VR) struggle to provide versatile thermo-touch sensations due to the use of large and noisy pneumatic pumps, and thermoelectric devices face challenges in wearable applications, limiting the realism and comfort of VR interactions.

Innovation Solution

A wearable haptic feedback device using a small pneumatic pump based on an origami pattern and thermoelectric elements, integrated with a silicone-based soft material, provides simultaneous thermo-touch sensations through pneumatic actuation and thermoelectric heating, enhancing realism and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a large pneumatic pump is used to provide air pressure for haptic feedback, then the force-based haptic feedback can be provided effectively, but the device becomes bulky and noisy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback forceVSAvoidpump size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional large mechanical pneumatic pump with a miniaturized pump design that uses flexible membranes and elastic deformation to generate pneumatic pressure. This substitution of the mechanical pumping mechanism with an elastic-membrane-based system achieves both forceful haptic feedback and compact size, resolving the contradiction between force output and device bulkiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional haptic feedback devices are used, then force-based feedback is provided, but heat-based thermo-touch sensations cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback typeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate haptic feedback mechanisms (pneumatic actuation for touch sensation and thermoelectric heating for thermal sensation) into a single integrated device structure. The flexible substrate accommodates both the pneumatic chambers and thermoelectric elements, allowing simultaneous provision of both force-based and heat-based haptic feedback without requiring separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic feedback device is designed with multi-functionality to provide both pneumatic-based touch sensations and thermoelectric-based thermal sensations through a single integrated platform. This universal design enables the device to deliver diverse haptic feedback types (force and heat) while maintaining a unified compact structure, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If rigid haptic feedback structures are used, then effective force feedback is provided, but wearing comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaptic feedback effectivenessVSAvoidwearing comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible substrates and thin-film structures to create a haptic feedback device that conforms to the contours of the user's skin. The flexible membrane serves as both the pneumatic actuator and the interface with the user, providing effective force feedback through pneumatic pressure while maintaining wearing comfort through its flexibility and ability to adapt to body surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes composite material structures combining flexible polymers, conductive materials, and thermoelectric elements on a flexible substrate. This composite construction maintains structural integrity for effective haptic feedback while the flexible polymer base ensures comfort and adaptability to the user's skin, resolving the contradiction between force effectiveness and wearing comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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 device enables realistic and comfortable VR interactions by providing simultaneous heat and touch sensations, reducing device bulkiness and noise, and improving user dexterity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one thermoelectric device (TED) formed on the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

a film configured to bond to the base and to elongate according to the air pressure provided through the hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20260086642A1Virtual reality interface device for thermo-touch haptic feedback

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

AI summary

Disclosed are a haptic feedback device and a virtual reality (VR) interface device for simultaneously providing thermo-touch haptic feedback. The haptic feedback device includes a thermal sensation providing unit configured to provide a thermal sensation to a user; a touch sensation providing unit configured to provide a touch sensation to the user; and a fixing device configured to fix at least a portion of the thermal sensation providing unit and at least a portion of the touch sensation providing unit, the thermal sensation providing unit includes a substrate; at least one thermoelectric device (TED) formed on the substrate; and a thermal pad formed on the at least one thermoelectric device (TED), and the touch sensation providing unit includes a base with a hole formed; and a film configured to bond to the base and to elongate according to the air pressure provided through the hole.