VR Haptic Glove Using Pneumatic Tendons to Restrict Finger Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems lack the ability to effectively simulate the physical sensation of interacting with virtual objects, particularly in terms of haptic feedback, which limits the immersion and realism of user interactions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a haptic feedback mechanism within VR gloves that utilizes jamming systems, such as inflatable tendons, twisted strings, microcups, concentric tendons and sheaths, and other mechanisms to restrict or enhance the movement of the user's fingers, simulating the sensation of touching or holding virtual objects by preventing further bending or movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a haptic feedback mechanism is added to simulate physical sensation, then user immersion and realism are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cuffs made of elastic material that can be integrated into the glove structure. These cuffs wrap around user fingers and can be inflated or contracted to restrict or allow finger movement, providing haptic feedback without requiring rigid mechanical structures. This approach maintains glove flexibility while adding haptic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic actuators that inflate flexible cuffs to restrict finger movement. By introducing air pressure into the cuff, the system creates a rigid structure that prevents finger bending, simulating the sensation of touching or holding an object. This pneumatic mechanism provides controllable haptic feedback with relatively simple actuation.
2Reliability
If a rigid cuff is repositioned to restrict finger movement, then haptic feedback effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the cuff's rigidity can be changed on demand. The cuff transitions from a flexible state (allowing natural finger movement) to a rigid state (restricting movement for haptic feedback) through pneumatic inflation. This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt between different operational modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies restrictive force in advance by positioning and inflating the cuff before the user attempts to move their finger. This preliminary action prevents the undesired movement from occurring, effectively blocking the user's natural finger bending motion before it can happen, thereby simulating contact with a solid object.
3Extent of automation
If pneumatic actuators are used to inflate cuffs, then haptic feedback control is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent pneumatic actuation rather than continuous inflation. The cuffs are inflated only when haptic feedback is needed (when the user interacts with a virtual object) and deflated when not needed. This periodic action significantly reduces overall energy consumption compared to maintaining constant inflation, while still providing effective haptic feedback control during interaction events.
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
Enhances the realism of virtual object manipulation by providing tactile feedback that mimics the sensation of physical contact, thereby improving user immersion and interaction within virtual environments.
Implementation Method 1
The tendon includes one or more activation mechanisms that retract the tendon when activated
Implementation Method 2
the retraction mechanism is a spring coupled to the rigid cuff that is stretched when the rigid cuff is repositioned and that relaxes when the activation mechanism is not activated
Data Source
AI summary
An input interface configured to be worn on a portion of a user's body includes tendons coupled to various rigid cuffs in the input interface. The tendons include one or more activation mechanisms that, when activated, retract the tendons, which repositions a rigid cuff into a position relative to the user's body that restricts or prevents some form of movement of the user's body. Various activation mechanisms may be included in the tendons in various embodiments.