Wearable Electronic Device for Transdermal Sensory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional haptic feedback systems in virtual reality and gaming equipment are coarse, restrictive, and visually obtrusive, failing to provide natural sensory experiences.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device with an electrode array that contacts the skin surface, using transdermal electrical stimulation to evoke transient sensory events at perceived sites separate from the device, mimicking natural sensations through software-controlled stimulation plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical haptic elements (eccentrically-weighted motors, linear actuators) are used, then haptic feedback can be provided, but the feedback is coarse and does not evoke natural sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical haptic elements with an electrical stimulation system that uses electrodes to deliver controlled electrical currents directly to sensory nerves. This substitution of mechanical actuation with electrical stimulation enables fine-grained control over sensory feedback, producing natural and nuanced sensations rather than coarse mechanical vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters of electrical stimulation including current magnitude, pulse duration, frequency, and electrode configuration to precisely control the intensity and quality of sensory feedback. This parametric control allows the system to evoke a wide range of natural sensations by tuning stimulation parameters rather than relying on fixed mechanical properties.
2Reliability
If conventional wearable gaming equipment is designed to provide haptic feedback, then sensory feedback is available, but the equipment significantly restricts natural range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the haptic feedback function from bulky mechanical actuators and implements it through lightweight electrode arrays that can be integrated into flexible wearable form factors. This extraction of the core stimulation function from heavy mechanical components enables natural range of motion while preserving sensory feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs flexible substrate materials and thin-film electrode structures that conform to body contours and move with natural body motion. These flexible implementations eliminate the rigid constraints of conventional mechanical haptic devices, allowing full range of motion while maintaining electrical contact for continuous sensory feedback.
3Reliability
If conventional haptic feedback systems are implemented, then user feedback is provided, but the systems are electrically and mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing complex mechanical actuator systems with electrical stimulation circuits, the patent eliminates numerous mechanical components including motors, gears, springs, and linkages. The resulting electrical system requires only power amplification and signal generation, dramatically reducing both electrical and mechanical complexity while maintaining feedback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical stimulation system serves multiple functions including sensory feedback, motor nerve stimulation, and physiological monitoring through a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate mechanical and sensing subsystems into one unified electrical architecture.
4Reliability
If conventional wearable equipment is designed for haptic feedback, then feedback is provided, but the equipment is bulky and visually obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential haptic feedback function from bulky mechanical housings and power systems, implementing it through miniaturized electrical stimulation circuits and lightweight electrode arrays. This extraction reduces device volume from the scale of conventional actuators to thin, flexible layers that can be worn comfortably without visual obtrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes flexible substrate materials and thin-film construction for electrode arrays, enabling integration into sleek, form-fitting wearable designs. These thin-film implementations eliminate the bulk of conventional mechanical haptic devices, creating visually unobtrusive equipment that conforms to body contours without adding significant volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable electronic device includes an electrode array for transdermal stimulation of a sensory nerve that itself innervates a body part distal to a worn location of the wearable electronic device. The transdermal stimulation is configured to induce an electrical current or voltage that evokes a sensory impression at an area innervated by the sensory nerve, not at the stimulated sensory nerve itself. In one implementation, the wearable electronic device takes a finger ring form factor worn on a proximal phalanx of an index finger. In this configuration, the wearable electronic device can stimulate a portion of a branch of the median nerve extending through the index finger. Upon stimulation of the median nerve, a user wearing the finger ring may perceive pressure applied to the user's fingertip.