Adaptive input device

Abstract

The present description relates to an input device that can be secured to various devices and is used to control the various devices. One example input device may include a housing defining a top surface including a control. The housing may define a recess including generally opposing upper and lower surfaces, the recess extending at least partially below and parallel to the upper surface. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism can extend into the groove through the lower surface and can be biased towards the upper surface. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism may be configured to contact a device having a thickness range and configured to clamp a single device having a thickness range between the self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the upper surface.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Many computer users are accustomed to and prefer specific input devices, such as mice, roller balls, etc. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in video games. Video game platforms (such as Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox, etc.) include physical controllers that users have become very accustomed to. Many of these users prefer to maintain similar physical game controllers across various games rather than adapting to different input devices on different devices. Summary of the invention

[0002] This patent relates to input devices that can be fixed to various devices and used to control various devices. An example input device may include a housing that defines a top surface that includes controls. The housing may define a groove that includes a generally opposite upper surface and a lower surface, and the groove extends at least partially below the upper surface and parallel to the upper surface. A self-adjusting clamping mechanism can impact the groove (e.g., by extending into the groove through the lower surface) and be biased toward the upper surface. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism can be configured to contact a device having a range of thicknesses and is configured to clamp a single device having a thickness range between the self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the upper surface.

[0003] This example is intended to provide an overview of some of the concepts described and is not meant to be all inclusive or limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the concepts conveyed herein. The features of the illustrated implementations may be more readily understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where feasible, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements in the various drawings. In addition, the leftmost digit of each figure number conveys the figure and associated discussion in which the reference numeral is first introduced. Where space permits, both the element and its associated reference numeral are displayed on the drawing page for the convenience of the reader. Otherwise, only the reference numeral is shown.

[0005] Figure 1A , 1B , 2A, 2B, 3A, 4A, and 5A illustrate perspective views of example devices according to some implementations of the inventive concepts.

[0006] Figure 3D and 3E A cutaway perspective view of an example device according to some implementations of the inventive concepts is shown.

[0007] Figure 3B , 3C 4B and 5B show exploded perspective views of example devices according to some implementations of the inventive concepts.

[0008] Figure 3F-3H 4C-4E and 5C-5G show front views of example devices according to some implementations of the present inventive concepts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present concept relates to an input device, such as a game controller, that can be physically attached to and removed from a variety of devices, such as tablets, phones, laptops, and the like. A user can use the input device to interact with content on the device, rather than relying on the device's local controls. The input device can include a self-adjusting clamping mechanism that can be placed on any edge of the device that the user deems preferred or ideal. In addition, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism can accommodate a variety of device thicknesses, so that the user can be confident that no matter what device they choose, phone, tablet, again phone, laptop, keyboard, etc., it will be clamped by the self-adjusting clamping mechanism so that the user can engage the input device to control the device.

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B as well as Figure 2A and Figure 2B Example systems 100A and 100B are shown, respectively, which may include a pair of complementary input devices 102 that may hold a device 104. In the illustrated position, the pair of input devices may be considered a left complementary input device and a right complementary input device, but they are not limited to these orientations.

[0011] In the case of system 100A, device 104 is shown as a tablet. Device 104 may include housing 106 and display 108. Housing 106 may define edges 110 of the device, which meet at corners 112. Input device 102 may be positioned at any location along edge 110 as desired by the user to ensure comfort and / or effectiveness. For example, input device 102 may be located at a single edge 110, corner 112, or between two corners.

[0012] In this case, the input device 102 is represented by a game controller 114. The input device 102 may include a housing 116, a surface 118, controls 120, and / or a recess 122. The recess 122 is at least partially defined by an upper surface 124 and a lower surface 126. A self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 operates relative to the recess 122 to clamp and secure the edge 110 of the device 102. The upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 may be substantially parallel to each other. For example, substantially parallel may mean that the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 are parallel to each other or within a range of + / - 20 degrees of parallelism.

[0013] In this case, the groove 122 is linear to accommodate the linear edge 110 of the device 104. In other configurations, the groove 122 can have a different shape, such as a non-linear shape corresponding to the shape of the device. In this example, the game controller 114 can have controls 120 that collectively mimic or resemble traditional game controllers that users are accustomed to.

[0014] As mentioned above, the input device 102 can accommodate a variety of device form factors, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B Another example form factor is shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B is shown in .

[0015] Figure 2A and 2B System 100B is shown. The use of the suffix "B" with respect to system 100B is to indicate that the system may have different components and / or individual components may differ from the systems described above and below. In this case, device 104 is presented as a hinged device, such as a folding phone, which may be thinner than a larger device. For example, input device 102 may be conveniently attached to two portions of the device and may work with device 104 over a range of orientations of the device portions, such as from 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0016] Figures 3A-3H Another system 100C is shown together, which includes an example input device 102(1). Although not shown, the input device 102(1) can work with another input device in a "paired" relationship, similar to Figure 1A and Figure 1B as well as Figure 2A and Figure 2B .

[0017] In this implementation of input device 102(1), housing 116, surface 118, controls 120, recess 122, surface 124, and / or surface 126 are similar to those described above with reference to Figures 1A-2B The above example is similar and will not be described again for brevity. In this example, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 includes an arm 302, a contact member 304, and / or a spring 306. The contact member 304 is rotatably fixed to the arm 302. The arm 302 and the spring 306 can reside in a channel 308 between the housing 116 and the base 310. In this case, the channel 308 is curved to complement the curved shape of the arm 302. The curved shapes of the arm 302 and the channel 308 are Figure 3D-3H It can be seen in.

[0018] The spring 306 may be located between the housing 116 and the arm 302. The spring 306 may bias the arm 302 upward through the lower surface 126 into the recess 122 and toward the upper surface 124. In this case, the spring 306 may create a radial bias on the arm 302. Other biasing configurations are contemplated, and the following description is provided with respect to Figures 4A-4E 5A-5G show and discuss various examples. In this case, the extent of arm movement is controlled by the relationship of the tabs 312 on the arm 302. The tabs 312 travel within the boundaries defined by the slots 314 formed in the housing 116, and thus the relationship of the tabs 312 and the slots 314 can define the extent of arm movement.

[0019] Tab 312 also serves as an example of a user control element 313 that is configured to allow a user to adjust the position of the contact member in recess 122. In this case, the user can move tab 312 clockwise to allow the device to be positioned in recess 122, and then move tab 312 counterclockwise to clamp the device in the recess.

[0020] For example, Figure 3F-3H The functionality of the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 is shown with respect to an example device 104 , such as a smart phone or tablet. Figure 3F The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 is shown in a static state. The spring 306 is biasing the arm radially counterclockwise into the groove 122. Further arm movement or rotation is stopped because the tab 312 contacts the edge of the groove 314. In this example, the tab 312 contacts the groove 314 when the arm is about halfway into the groove 122. Thus, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 can automatically and effectively clamp devices ranging in thickness from thickness T1 (slightly greater than the distance from the upper surface 124 to the current position of the contact member 304) to thickness T2 (slightly less than the thickness of the groove 122), (e.g., slightly less than the distance between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126).

[0021] For ease of explanation, an example device 104 having a thickness T3 within the thickness range is moving toward the recess 122 (and / or the input device 120A(1) is moving toward the device 104) as indicated by arrow 316. As the device 104 enters the recess 122, the leading edge of the device will engage (e.g., pivot toward) the angled contact member 304. The engagement of the device 104 with the contact member 304 will generate a force on the contact member 304, thereby generating a force on the arm 302. The force can overcome the bias applied by the spring 306 to the arm 302, which can cause the arm 302 to move downward in the channel 308 and compress the spring 306. As the device moves into the recess 122, the contact member 304 can pivot in continuous contact with the device 104.

[0022] It should also be noted that the tab 312 can be used to mount the device 104 in the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 of the input device in another manner. The user can manually move the tab 312 clockwise in the slot 314. This action will lower the arm 302 and the contact member 304 in the groove 122 until the contact member contacts the lower surface 126 and / or the tab 312 contacts the other end of the groove 314. The user can then place the device 104 into the groove 122 and release the tab 312. With this manual installation procedure, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism can accommodate devices with a thickness slightly less than the thickness of the groove. Therefore, the tab 312 can be used as a user control element 313 to allow the user to overcome and / or increase the bias generated by the spring 306 in the groove 122.

[0023] Figure 3G The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 is shown in a clamped state. When the device contacts the back of the groove 122, the lateral movement of the device 104 stops. The spring bias pushes the arm 302 and the contact member 304 upward against the device 104, and the device in turn moves upward until the device contacts the upper surface 124. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 now clamps the device between the contact member 304 and the upper surface 124 using the bias provided by the spring 306. The contact member 304 and the upper surface 124 may include surface coatings or layers that have a relatively high coefficient of friction relative to common device materials such as metal, glass and / or plastic. Example coatings or layers may include rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. As an alternative or supplement to using high friction materials on the contact member 304 and the upper surface 124, the geometry of the material may help to retain the device. For example, the contact member 304 and / or the upper surface 124 may include a plurality of fibers (eg, small "fingers") that angle toward the back of the groove 122. These fibers provide relatively less resistance when inserting the device and relatively more resistance when removing the device.

[0024] Figure 3H The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 is shown in a released state. At this point, the user has moved the tab 312 clockwise in the slot 314, as indicated by arrow 318. The movement of the tab 312 will compress the spring 306 and remove the bias applied to the device by the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128. As indicated by arrow 320, the device 104 can be easily removed from the recess.

[0025] The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 can easily and automatically clamp and hold various devices with a thickness range, such as from 2 mm to 10 mm in one configuration. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 can complete the clamping at the edge of the device and does not require any specific position to fully clamp the device.

[0026] Figures 4A-4E Another system 100D is shown together, which includes example input devices 102(1) and 102(2) that can work together to provide a desired control configuration to allow a user to control content on example device 104. In this implementation, housing 116, surface 118, control member 120, recess 122, surface 124, and / or surface 126 are similar to those described above with reference to FIG. Figure 1A-Figure 2B and Figure 3A-3H The described examples are similar and are not described again for brevity. In this example, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 includes a spring 402, a frame 404, a release device 406, a pin 408, a shaft 410, a cam roller 412, a bracket 414, and / or a slot 416. The release device 406 can be used as an example of a user control element 313.

[0027] In this case, the cam roller 412 is keyed to the shaft 410. Note that the shaft 410 is not located at the center of the cam roller 412, but is offset (e.g., the cam rotates around an offset axis). The shaft 410 is located in the bracket 414. The spring 402 includes a hub and two arms (as shown, but not specifically specified). The hub is located on the shaft 410. The arm is compressed between the cam roller 412 and the housing 116 to produce a rotational bias on the cam roller 412. The pin 408 fixes the release device 406 to the frame 404. During the rotation of the frame 404 around the shaft 410, the exposed portion of the pin 408 can travel in the groove 416 of the housing 116. The cam roller 412 and the upper surface 124 can be covered with relatively elastic materials that have a relatively high coefficient of friction compared to glass, metal, plastic or other materials used on the edges of devices such as tablets and mobile phones. Some example materials are provided above. In one implementation, the cam roller 412 and the upper surface 124 can be covered with neoprene or a similar material. In addition, the surface of the cam roller 412 and the upper surface 124 can be relatively smooth or have texture features that increase contact with the device surface.

[0028] For example, Figure 4C-4E The functionality of the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 is shown with respect to an example device 104 , such as a smart phone or tablet.

[0029] Figure 4CThe self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 is shown in a static state. At this point, the orientation of the cam roller 412 is affected by the bias of the spring 402. The cam can be D-shaped or have other lifting profiles. At this point, the cam lift (e.g., the portion of the cam roller on the lower surface 126) is relatively small (e.g., the cam can extend to 20% to 30% of the height of the groove 122 between the lower surface 126 and the upper surface 124). As indicated by arrow 420, the example device 104 that moves laterally (e.g., parallel to the Y reference direction) into the groove 122 can contact the cam roller 412.

[0030] Figure 4D The device 104 is shown in contact with the cam roller 412 and continuing to move laterally as indicated by arrow 422. As indicated by arrow 424, this contact (and the associated friction between the device 104 and the cam roller 412) causes the cam roller 412 to rotate (in this example, counterclockwise). The rotation of the cam roller causes the portion of the cam roller 412 with the larger cam lift to rotate above the lower surface 126 and "lift" the device 104. As the rotation continues, the cam roller 412 eventually lifts the device 104 until the device is clamped or squeezed between the cam roller 412 and the upper surface 124 of the groove 122. Therefore, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 provides a technical solution for converting the lateral movement of the device into vertical lift, thereby clamping and holding the device between the cam roller 412 and the upper surface 124 of the groove 122.

[0031] Figure 4E Input device 102(1) is shown in a released state, in which a user who wishes to separate input device 102(1) and device 104 can move release mechanism 406 clockwise (as indicated by arrow 426) to rotate cam roller 412 clockwise. Figure 4C Rotating the cam roller clockwise, as indicated by arrow 428, may reduce the lift of the cam and allow the user to laterally move the device 104 in the opposite direction.

[0032] Figure 5A-5G Another system 100E is shown together, which includes example input devices 102(1) and 102(2) that can work together to provide a desired control configuration to allow a user to control content on example device 104. In this implementation, housing 116, surface 118, control member 120, recess 122, surface 124, and / or surface 126 are similar to the examples described above and are not described again for the sake of brevity. In this example, self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 includes roller 502, ratchet gear 504, spring 506, pawl 508, frame 510, and release device 512.

[0033] In this case, the ratchet gear 504 is coextensive with the roller 502 . Figures 4A-4E The realization of adopting cam roller or cam-shaped roller.In this realization, roller 502 can be cylindrical.

[0034] The ratchet gear 504 and the roller 502 are rotatably fixed to the frame 510. The fulcrum of the pawl 508 is rotatably fixed to the frame 510, and the pawl is biased into the ratchet gear 504 by the spring 506. The pawl 508 interacts with the ratchet gear 504 to allow the roller 502 to rotate in one direction, but prevents rotation in the opposite direction. The spring 506 is compressed between the housing 116 and the pawl 508. The release device 512 is rotatably fixed to the back side of the pawl 508 (for example, at the other end that engages with the ratchet gear). The release device 512 is configured to allow a user to selectively activate the release device to disengage the pawl 508 from the ratchet gear 504. Releasing the pawl 508 from the ratchet gear 504 allows the roller 502 to rotate in either direction.

[0035] Figure 5C The input device 102 (1) is shown in a stationary state. At this point, the spring 506 plays two roles. First, the spring 506 biases the pawl 508 upward into the teeth of the ratchet gear 504. This interaction of the pawl and the ratchet gear teeth prevents (e.g., limits) the clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear and the roller 502, while allowing the roller to rotate in the other direction (counterclockwise in this example). Second, the spring 506 biases the frame 510 upward by biasing the pawl 508 upward. The rear end of the frame 510 can pivot in the housing 116, and thus the spring bias moves the front end of the frame and the roller 502 upward into the groove 122. For ease of explanation, the "front end" of the frame refers to the portion adjacent to the groove 122. At this point, the example device having a thickness of approximately 50% to 95% of the distance between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 can move toward the groove 122, as indicated by the arrow 514, so as to be clamped by the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128. Figure 3F The thickness has been marked and will not be re-marked here to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0036] Figure 5D The device 104 is shown continuing to move laterally as indicated by arrow 516 and beginning to engage the roller 502. The lateral movement of the device 104 while engaging the roller 502 will cause the roller to rotate counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 518. In response, the roller 502 will lift the device 104 vertically (in the Z reference direction) until the device reaches an upright position (12 o'clock position) and / or the device contacts the upper surface 124, as shown. Figure 5E shown.

[0037] Figure 5EThe device 104 is shown fully inserted into the groove 122. The device is clamped between the roller 502 and the upper surface 124. The thickness of the device 104 has partially overcome the force of the spring 506 biasing the roller upward, and instead forces the roller downward, which is seen from the FIG. 5D to FIG. 5E The change in the posture of the frame 510 can be seen. At this time, the upward bias of the spring 506 on the roller 502 clamps the device 104 between the roller and the upper surface 124 of the groove 122. Figures 4A-4C As described, the high friction surfaces on the roller and the upper surface can enhance this clamping. The pawl 508 engages with the teeth of the ratchet gear 504, so the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 also locks the device 104 in its clamped position because the roller is prevented from rotating clockwise. Therefore, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism provides two technical solutions, namely, clamping the device 104 using the roller 502 and spring pressure, and locking the roller 502 using the ratchet gear 504 and the pawl 508 to enhance the fixation of the device 104 in the groove 122.

[0038] Fig. 5F The subsequent step is shown in which the user wishes to separate the input device 102(1) and the device 104. To do so, the user can activate the release mechanism 512. In this implementation, the user can activate the release mechanism 512 by pushing the release mechanism 512 upward (in the Z reference direction), as indicated by arrow 520. Pushing the release mechanism 512 upward causes the front end of the pawl 508 to pivot downward and compress the spring 506. As the pawl pivots downward, it disengages from the teeth of the ratchet gear 504. With the ratchet gear released, when the user moves the device 104 laterally out of the groove 122, the roller 502 is free to rotate in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 522, as indicated by arrow 524.

[0039] Figure 5G Device 104 and input device 102(1) are shown separated from each other by relative lateral movement indicated by arrow 526. At this point, release mechanism 512 is still activated, so the pawl is still disengaged from the teeth of ratchet gear 504, and scroll wheel 502 can rotate in either direction. Device 104 is no longer in recess 122 and is therefore no longer in contact with the input device 102(1). Fig. 5F In contrast, spring 506 has biased roller 502 upward into recess 122. When the user releases release 512, self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 and input device 102(1) may return to Figure 5C in a stationary state.

[0040] In this implementation, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 can both apply a retaining force (eg, clamping the device between the roller 502 and the upper surface 124 ) and lock the rollers to prevent the device from “rolling out” of the groove 122 .

[0041] Several examples of self-adjusting clamping mechanisms 128 are described above, which can allow one or a pair of input devices to easily and effectively clamp the edge of the device, so that the user can engage the input device in a comfortable manner to control the content on the device. When the user completes the operation, the input device can also be separated from the device at any time. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 can be operated relative to the groove in the input device, and can clamp any device that will fit the groove. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 can realize this technical function by the edge of the clamping device 104. The self-adjusting clamping mechanism 128 does not rely on the corners (e.g., engaging corners) of the elements that bypass the device or cross the back of the device to physically connect the input devices to each other. On the contrary, each input device can adopt a self-adjusting clamping mechanism, and this self-adjusting clamping mechanism can clamp any edge of the device to realize the placement required by the user.

[0042] In the field of gaming, the present concept allows a user to easily and effectively temporarily secure an input device with a preferred feel and / or layout to a device to control content on the device. This association of a game controller with a device allows a user to play games more effectively on a variety of devices, rather than trying to adapt to the available controls on the device. A self-adjusting clamping mechanism can clamp devices of varying thicknesses via insertion pressure, for example, as explained above, using a ratchet cam on a pivot arm. This self-adjusting clamping mechanism can utilize the mass of the device, the design shape of the cam, and the static friction of the contact surface with the device to clamp the device. Release of the ratchet on the cam's rotating shaft releases the device, allowing the device to be extracted from the input device.

[0043] Individual input device elements may be made of a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, rubber, glass, and / or composite materials. These materials may be prepared in a variety of ways, such as from formed sheet metal, die cast metal, machined metal, 3D printed materials, molded or 3D printed plastics, and / or molded or 3D printed composite materials, and / or any combination of these materials and / or preparations may be employed.

[0044] The present self-adjusting clamping mechanism concept can be used with a variety of input devices and can be used with any type of device, such as but not limited to laptop computers, smart phones, wearable smart devices, tablets, keyboards and / or other types of existing, developing and / or yet to be developed devices.

[0045] In addition to the above relative Figure 1A-5G In addition to those shown, various methods of manufacturing, assembling, and / or using the self-adjusting clamping mechanisms and input devices are also contemplated.

[0046] Various examples are described below. Additional examples are described below. One example includes a system comprising: a pair of complementary left and right game controllers; the left game controller comprising a first housing and a first control, the first housing defining a first recess on a right side of the first housing, the first control being located on a top surface of the first housing, the left game controller further comprising a first self-adjusting clamping mechanism configured to strike the first recess and force a device located in the first recess toward the first control and clamp the device between the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the first housing; and the right game controller comprising a second housing and a second control, the second housing defining a second recess on a left side of the second housing, the second control being located on a top surface of the second housing, the right game controller further comprising a second self-adjusting clamping mechanism configured to strike the second recess and force a device located in the second recess toward the second control and clamp the device between the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the second housing.

[0047] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism is configured to clamp any device having a thickness that will fit the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism is configured to clamp any device having a thickness that will fit the second groove.

[0048] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first arm that is radially offset through the lower surface of the first groove toward the upper surface of the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second arm that is radially offset through the lower surface of the second groove toward the upper surface of the second groove.

[0049] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a first spring, which is compressed between the first housing and the first arm to bias the first arm through the lower surface of the first groove, and the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second spring, which is compressed between the second housing and the second arm to bias the second arm through the lower surface of the second groove.

[0050] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a first contact member, which is located on the first arm and includes a first high friction surface configured to contact and clamp the device, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a second contact member, which is located on the second arm and includes a second high friction surface configured to contact and clamp the device.

[0051] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first contact member is pivotally located on the first arm, and the second contact member is pivotally located on the second arm.

[0052] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first cam roller that is offset through the lower surface of the first groove toward the upper surface of the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second cam roller that is offset through the lower surface of the second groove toward the upper surface of the second groove.

[0053] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first cam roller is D-shaped and configured to rotate about an offset axis, and wherein the second cam roller is D-shaped and configured to rotate about an offset axis.

[0054] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first roller coextensive with the first ratchet gear, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second roller coextensive with the second ratchet gear.

[0055] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first pawl configured to engage with a first ratchet gear, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second pawl configured to engage with a second ratchet gear.

[0056] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first pawl is configured to allow the first ratchet gear to allow the first roller to roll when the device is inserted into the first groove, but not to allow the first roller to roll in the opposite direction that would allow the device to exit from the first groove, and wherein the second pawl is configured to allow the second ratchet gear to allow the second roller to roll when the device is inserted into the second groove, but not to allow the second roller to roll in the opposite direction that would allow the device to exit from the second groove.

[0057] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a user control element configured to allow a user to manually adjust the position of the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism in the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes another user control element configured to allow the user to manually adjust the position of the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism in the second groove.

[0058] Another example includes an input device comprising: a housing defining an upper surface including a control, the housing defining a recess including substantially opposing upper and lower surfaces, the recess extending at least partially below and parallel to the upper surface; and a self-adjusting clamping mechanism extending into the recess through the lower surface and biased toward the upper surface, the self-adjusting clamping mechanism being configured to contact a device having a range of thicknesses and being configured to clamp a single device having a thickness range between the self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the upper surface.

[0059] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a roller biased into the groove by a spring.

[0060] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the roller is cylindrical or wherein the roller is cam-shaped.

[0061] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes an element that limits the rotational direction of the roller.

[0062] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the element includes a ratchet gear coextensive with the roller and a pawl engaged with the ratchet gear.

[0063] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the release is configured to be activated by a user to disengage the pawl from the ratchet gear to allow rotation of the roller.

[0064] Another example includes a system comprising: a first game controller having a first housing and a first self-adjusting clamping mechanism, the first housing defining a first linear groove, the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism being configured to engage a first edge of a device inserted into the first linear groove; and a second game controller having a second housing and a second self-adjusting clamping mechanism, the second housing defining a second linear groove, the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism being configured to engage a second edge of a device inserted into the second linear groove.

[0065] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first game controller is not physically connected to the second game controller.

[0066] Another example may include any of the above and / or following examples, wherein the first game controller and the second game controller are configured to engage the first edge and the second edge to clamp the device, rather than relying on engaging the corners of the device to clamp the device.

[0067] Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc. related to self-adjusting clamping mechanisms have been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed methods, devices, systems, etc.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a pair of complementary left and right game controllers; The left game controller includes a first housing and a first control, the first housing defining a first recess on a right side of the first housing, the first control being located on a top surface of the first housing, the left game controller further comprising a first self-adjusting clamping mechanism, the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism being configured to strike the first recess and force a device located in the first recess toward the first control and clamp the device between the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the first housing; and The right game controller includes a second housing and a second control, wherein the second housing defines a second groove on the left side of the second housing, and the second control is located on the top surface of the second housing, and the right game controller further includes a second self-adjusting clamping mechanism, which is configured to strike the second groove and force a device located in the second groove toward the second control and clamp the device between the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the second housing.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism is configured to clamp any device having a thickness that will fit into the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism is configured to clamp any device having a thickness that will fit into the second groove.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first arm, which is radially offset through the lower surface of the first groove toward the upper surface of the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second arm, which is radially offset through the lower surface of the second groove toward the upper surface of the second groove.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a first spring compressed between the first housing and the first arm to bias the first arm through the lower surface of the first groove, and the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second spring compressed between the second housing and the second arm to bias the second arm through the lower surface of the second groove.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a first contact member, which is located on the first arm and includes a first high friction surface configured to contact and clamp the device, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a second contact member, which is located on the second arm and includes a second high friction surface configured to contact and clamp the device.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first contact member is pivotally located on the first arm, and the second contact member is pivotally located on the second arm.

7. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first cam roller, which is offset through the lower surface of the first groove toward the upper surface of the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second cam roller, which is offset through the lower surface of the second groove toward the upper surface of the second groove.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The first cam roller is D-shaped and configured to rotate about an offset axis, and wherein the second cam roller is D-shaped and configured to rotate about the offset axis.

9. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first roller coextensive with a first ratchet gear, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second roller coextensive with a second ratchet gear.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a first pawl configured to engage with the first ratchet gear, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a second pawl configured to engage with the second ratchet gear.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The first pawl is configured to allow the first ratchet gear to allow the first roller to roll when the device is inserted into the first groove, but not to allow the first roller to roll in the opposite direction that would allow the device to be withdrawn from the first groove, and wherein the second pawl is configured to allow the second ratchet gear to allow the second roller to roll when the device is inserted into the second groove, but not to allow the second roller to roll in the opposite direction that would allow the device to be withdrawn from the second groove.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes a user control element configured to allow a user to manually adjust the position of the first self-adjusting clamping mechanism in the first groove, and wherein the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism further includes another user control element configured to allow the user to manually adjust the position of the second self-adjusting clamping mechanism in the second groove.

13. An input device comprising: a housing defining an upper surface including a control, the housing defining a recess including generally opposed upper and lower surfaces, the recess extending at least partially below and parallel to the upper surface; as well as The self-adjusting clamping mechanism is configured to contact devices having a range of thicknesses through the lower surface extending into the groove and biased toward the upper surface, and is configured to clamp a single device having a thickness range between the self-adjusting clamping mechanism and the upper surface.

14. The input device according to claim 13, characterized in that The self-adjusting clamping mechanism includes a roller biased into the groove by a spring.

15. The input device according to claim 14, characterized in that The roller is cylindrical or wherein the roller is cam-shaped.

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