Self-Actuated Vibration Through Mechanofluidic Instabilities Using Soft Wearable Devices

Vibration is a widely used mode of haptic communication, as vibrotactile cues provide salient haptic notifications to users and are easily integrated into wearable or handheld devices. Fluidic textile-based devices offer an appealing platform for the incorporation of vibrotactile haptic feedback, as they can be integrated into clothing and other conforming and compliant wearables. However, fluidically driven vibrotactile feedback has primarily relied on valves to regulate actuating frequencies in wearable devices. The mechanical bandwidth of such valves limits the achievable range of frequencies that can be realized, particularly at the higher frequencies that are typically reached with electromechanical vibration actuators (>100 Hz). In this thesis, we introduce two soft vibrotactile wearable devices, the first comprised of a hybrid mix of elastomers and textiles and the second completely of textiles, with each capable of rendering vibration at high frequencies and amplitudes. We describe our methods of design and fabrication and the mechanism of vibration, which is realized by controlling inlet pressure and harnessing a mechanofluidic instability. Our designs allow for controllable vibrotactile feedback that is comparable in frequency and outperforms in amplitude relative to state-of-the-art electromechanical actuators while offering the compliance and conformity of fully soft wearable devices.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Fino, Nathaniel Wallace

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• O'Malley, Marcia K

• Vibration Devices
• Haptic Devices
• Soft Robotics
• Wearable Haptics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/115170

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/115170