Flexible Wearable Interface for Deformation-Based Machine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human-machine interfaces lack intuitive and efficient methods for controlling complex machines, particularly in wearable and flexible forms that can detect and respond to user deformations like stretching, twisting, and bending.

Innovation Solution

A flexible substrate-based human-machine interaction device with integrated sensing modules to detect deformations, a controller to process signals, and a communication module to control external devices, along with feedback mechanisms for haptic interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional user interfaces (buttons, keyboards, touch screens) are used, then control functionality is provided, but intuitiveness and efficiency for complex machines deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitiveness of controlVSAvoidcomplexity of machine control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical interfaces (buttons, keyboards, touch screens) with a flexible substrate that detects mechanical deformations (stretching, twisting, bending) of the user's body. This substitution enables more intuitive control by directly translating natural body movements into control signals, thereby improving ease of operation for complex machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible substrate as the core sensing element that can conform to the user's body surface. This flexible film structure allows the device to capture subtle body deformations while maintaining comfort and adaptability, thereby enhancing the intuitiveness of the control interface without adding bulk or rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If wearable flexible devices are implemented, then intuitiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity and integration difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearability and flexibilityVSAvoidintegration of sensing and control components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functional components (sensing module, controller, communication module, power source) onto a single flexible substrate. This merging of functions into one unified wearable device simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces the number of separate components that need to be coordinated, thereby improving ease of manufacture despite the flexible form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural base, the sensing element for detecting body deformations, the mounting platform for electronic components, and the interface for wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying both manufacturing and integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensing channels are added to detect different deformations, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of body deformationVSAvoidnumber of sensing channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent sensing channels, each equipped with strain sensors that detect deformations in specific directions or regions of the body. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of complex body movements by capturing data from multiple angles simultaneously, while the modular structure of individual sensing channels makes the overall system more manageable despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 intuitive control of complex machines through wearable, flexible interfaces that detect and respond to user movements, providing efficient communication and haptic feedback.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of sensing channels may comprise a piezoresistive sensor. The voltage across the piezoresistive sensor may change based on the deformation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12474765B2Human-machine interaction device

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

A human-machine interaction device including a flexible substrate for mounting to a user, a sensing module arranged to sense deformation of the flexible substrate when the flexible substrate is mounted to the user and in response generate a sensed signal, a controller operably connected with the sensing module and arranged to process the sensed signal to obtain a processed signal, and a communication module arranged to communicate the sensed signal or the processed signal to an external electrical device for controlling operation of the external electrical device.