Wearable Haptic Lever Mechanism for Motion Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable haptic devices for VR and MR experiences often require separate actuation hardware for motion restriction and tactile feedback, leading to increased cost, size, and complexity, while failing to provide realistic tactile sensations on finger pads and other body surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a motion restriction mechanism, such as a clutch mechanism, to both restrict motion and provide tactile feedback, eliminating the need for separate actuation hardware and incorporating a haptic feedback apparatus with a force-applying mechanism and a force-transferring component to apply pressure on body surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate actuation hardware is used for motion restriction and tactile feedback, then motion control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines motion restriction and tactile feedback functions into a single integrated mechanism. The force-applying mechanism serves dual purposes: restricting body part motion through the lever system while simultaneously applying tactile feedback forces to the skin surface, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The force-applying mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both motion restriction and tactile feedback delivery. The lever mechanism translates motor forces into both positional constraints and haptic sensations, allowing one system to fulfill multiple functional requirements
2Reliability
If separate actuation hardware is used for motion restriction and tactile feedback, then functional reliability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges motion restriction and tactile feedback actuation into a single integrated mechanism, reducing the overall volume required for multiple separate actuators. The force-applying mechanism and lever system share common structural elements, minimizing the space needed while maintaining both functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuation hardware is used for motion restriction and tactile feedback, then functional capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force-applying mechanism is designed as a universal component that delivers both motion restriction and tactile feedback capabilities through a single actuation system. This reduces the total number of parts requiring manufacturing and assembly, lowering production costs while maintaining full functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple functions into integrated components, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs despite maintaining versatile functional capabilities
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 approach results in a more compact, cost-effective wearable device that provides realistic tactile sensations by combining motion restriction and tactile feedback functions, enhancing the immersion of VR and MR experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a lever supported by a frame and coupled with the force-applying mechanism, the lever positioned to move relative to the frame and apply pressure on a surface of the body part when a force is applied by the force applying mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to providing haptic feedback. One disclosed example provides a wearable article configured to provide haptic feedback, the wearable article including a base configured to be worn on a body part, a force-applying mechanism coupled with the base, and a haptic feedback apparatus coupled with the base, the haptic feedback apparatus including a lever supported by a frame and coupled with the force-applying mechanism, the lever positioned to move relative to the frame and apply pressure on a surface of the body part when a force is applied by the force applying mechanism.