Wearable Tactile Ring with Wire Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactile transmission devices for user interface systems are cumbersome, difficult to wear, and limited in expressing realistic tactile sensations, hindering usability and portability.
Innovation Solution
A wearable tactile transmission device featuring a ring-type body with movable members and wire-type actuators that change length to apply forces, allowing for precise tactile sensation transmission to the finger, including pressure and vibration, through a simple and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external skeleton structure with actuators at the wrist or hand is used, then tactile sensation can be transmitted to the finger, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a ring-type body that fits on the finger and separate wire-type actuators that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the main body to be lightweight and wearable while the actuators provide the necessary tactile feedback function.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional motor-based actuators are replaced with wire-type actuators that use electrostatic or magnetic fields to generate motion. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing the device's size and weight while maintaining tactile feedback capability.
2Reliability
If traditional motor actuators with linkages are used, then tactile feedback can be provided, but the device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Motor actuators and mechanical linkages are replaced with wire-type actuators that generate motion through electrostatic or magnetic fields. This eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining the ability to provide tactile feedback through controlled wire movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism changes from mechanical rotation (motors) to linear wire displacement controlled by electrical or magnetic fields. This parameter change enables the same tactile feedback function with significantly reduced weight and volume.
3Reliability
If conventional actuator systems are used, then tactile sensation can be transmitted, but the device structure becomes intricate and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical transmission components such as gears, linkages, and housings are extracted and removed from the system. Only the essential wire-type actuators and ring-type body remain, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving tactile feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical actuation systems are replaced with simpler wire-type actuators that use field-based actuation. This substitution reduces structural complexity by eliminating multiple mechanical components and their associated assemblies.
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 provides enhanced wearability, mobility, and usability by enabling a wide range of tactile sensations, improving the realism and accuracy of user interface systems, particularly in virtual and augmented environments.
Implementation Method 1
each of the wire-type actuators is a solid-state actuator which changes in length when energy is applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
a force applied to the moving member as the plurality of wire-type actuators change in length causes the moving member to move with respect to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile transmission device for transmitting a tactile sensation to a user's finger comprises: a ring-type body which is put on a finger; a moving member which is formed such that the moving member can move with respect to the body; and a plurality of wire-type actuators which are formed so as to come in contact with the moving member, wherein each of the wire-type actuators is a solid-state actuator which changes in length when energy is applied thereto, a force applied to the moving member as the plurality of wire-type actuators change in length causes the moving member to move with respect to the body, and a contact part formed in the moving member comes into contact with a user's finger according to a movement of the moving member, so as to transmit a tactile sensation to the user.