Shape-Haptics: Planar & Passive Force Feedback Mechanisms for Physical Interfaces

TL;DR

Shape-Haptics introduces a simple, customizable, and easily fabricated passive force feedback mechanism for physical interfaces, enabling designers to rapidly create tailored haptic experiences using 2D laser-cut configurations.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel design approach and computational toolkit for creating customizable passive force feedback mechanisms with 2D laser-cut parts.

Findings

Facilitates rapid design and fabrication of haptic feedback mechanisms.

Enables customization of force feedback through shaping the sliding profile.

Demonstrates utility across various physical interface applications.

Abstract

We present Shape-Haptics, an approach for designers to rapidly design and fabricate passive force feedback mechanisms for physical interfaces. Such mechanisms are used in everyday interfaces and tools, and they are challenging to design. Shape-Haptics abstracts and broadens the haptic expression of this class of force feedback systems through 2D laser cut configurations that are simple to fabricate. They leverage the properties of polyoxymethylene plastic and comprise a compliant spring structure that engages with a sliding profile during tangible interaction. By shaping the sliding profile, designers can easily customize the haptic force feedback delivered by the mechanism. We provide a computational design sandbox to facilitate designers to explore and fabricate Shape-Haptics mechanisms. We also propose a series of applications that demonstrate the utility of Shape-Haptics in creating and customizing haptics for different physical interfaces.