Friction tunable electrostatic clutch with low driving voltage for kinesthetic haptic feedback

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-voltage electrostatic clutch for haptic gloves that provides adjustable frictional force, enabling comfortable and responsive kinesthetic feedback for VR and AR applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel electrostatic clutch using functional polymers and dielectric liquids that operates at voltages below 100 V, overcoming previous high-voltage limitations.

Findings

Frictional shear stress ranges from 0.35 to 18.9 N/cm$^2$ at low voltages

The haptic glove achieves high blocking force and comfort

Fast response times suitable for VR/AR applications

Abstract

As interest in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) increases, the demand for kinesthetic haptic feedback devices is rapidly rising. Motor based haptic interfaces are heavy and bulky, leading to discomfort for the user. To address this issue, haptic gloves based on electrostatic clutches that offer fast response times and a thin form factor are being researched. However, high operating voltages and variable force control remain challenges to overcome. Electrostatic clutches utilizing functional polymers with charge accumulation properties and dielectric liquid can generate the frictional shear stress over a wide range from 0.35 N/cm$^2$ to 18.9 N/cm$^2$ at low voltages below 100 V. Based on this, the haptic glove generates a high blocking force and is comfortable to wear.