Wearable Force Sensor Using Fluid-Filled Collapsible Domes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for user input and control, such as computer mice and touch-sensitive surfaces, can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, and may not effectively gather force input or provide adequate output, particularly in computer-generated-reality systems.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device equipped with a force sensor that measures forces applied by the user, transmitting this data wirelessly to external equipment, such as a head-mounted device, to control operations and provide haptic feedback, using a fluid-filled channel and collapsible domes to detect pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input devices like computer mice and touch-sensitive surfaces are used, then user input control is achieved, but the devices become cumbersome and uncomfortable for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (mice, keyboards, touch surfaces) with a wearable force sensing device that uses fluid pressure sensing. The mechanical interaction is substituted by measuring forces through fluid-filled channels and pressure sensors, eliminating the need for cumbersome external input devices while maintaining input control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device incorporates flexible housing structures and thin film components that allow the device to conform to body parts. The flexible housing contains fluid-filled channels and can be worn comfortably on fingers, hands, or other body parts, providing both comfort and force sensing functionality.
2Measurement precision
If traditional input devices are used, then control functionality is provided, but the devices do not effectively gather force input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid-filled channels (pneumatic or hydraulic system) to transmit force measurements. When a force is applied to the wearable device, the fluid pressure changes are transmitted through the channels to pressure sensors, providing accurate force measurement capability without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple discrete sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid acts as an intermediary between the applied force and the pressure sensor. The fluid transmits the mechanical force information to the sensor in a way that preserves measurement accuracy while simplifying the overall sensor structure, as the fluid naturally distributes and transmits pressure uniformly.
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 comfortable and efficient force input control in various applications, including computer-generated-reality systems, by allowing users to interact with virtual objects through natural body movements and receiving haptic feedback, enhancing user experience and interaction precision.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor may monitor changes in pressure in a fluid that fills the channel and the fluid-filled domes. The monitored changes in pressure represent force measurements for force applied by the user's body part or other external objects on the collapsible force sensor elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a wearable electronic device that gathers force input. The device may transmit force measurement information and other input to external equipment such as a head-mounted device. The wearable electronic device may have a force sensor that gathers force measurements as the wearable electronic device is being worn. The force sensor may have a force sensor housing structure configured to form a fluid-filled channel and one or more collapsible force sensor elements such as collapsible fluid-filled domes or other protruding portions of the force sensor housing structure. A pressure sensor may monitor changes in pressure in a fluid that fills the channel and the fluid-filled domes. The monitored changes in pressure represent force measurements for force applied by a user's body part or other objects on the collapsible force sensor elements.