Controller connecting mechanism

Abstract

A controller connection mechanism is provided, comprising: a first connector element; a first locking element; and a rotatable element integrated with the first locking element such that the first connector element is configurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection mechanism for an electronic device. In particular, it relates to a connection mechanism for a controller of a video game system. Background Art

[0002] Game systems and PC games have been popular for many years.

[0003] There are several general game controllers available on the market currently.

[0004] These are mainly wireless two-handed controllers with fixed button positions. These examples include Microsoft Wireless Controllers, Sony PlayStation Dual Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Xbox Adaptive Released as a gamepad, peripheral devices can be connected to the gamepad at input pins for customization.

[0005] However, these general controllers have major drawbacks for certain users, such as disabled users. Although the Xbox Adaptive Controller provides some versatility to users, it takes up a very large surface area, is sold separately from the external buttons, and the gamepad itself is not modular or customizable. In addition, the controller is not handheld and requires the use of multiple components connected by wires to a central control box, which is quite large and bulky itself.

[0006] The applicant's research found that due to the lack of accessible controllers, 180 million disabled gamers are unable to participate in video games as they wish, or sometimes cannot participate in video games at all. In a world that is moving more and more towards virtual reality every day, it is clear that this will only become more of a problem.

[0007] As the population growing up in the digital generation gets older, due to age-related impairments such as arthritis, more and more people will need accessible input devices. In addition to the increasing needs of disabled gamers, professional gaming is another area that would benefit from a higher level of controller customization. The competition in the professional gaming field is becoming increasingly fierce, and more and more lucrative prizes are at stake. Good profits determine the success of the industry, so the current "one-size-fits-all" approach to controllers is not satisfactory. The controller is the most critical device for professional gamers; it is the interface between the person and the computer. The ability to marginally improve reaction speed through the customization and personalization of pro-gamer controllers can have a significant impact.

[0008] An apparatus for providing a secure connection between controller components and modules and for facilitating easy attachment and detachment of the controller would be an improvement over the prior art. In addition to game controllers, such an apparatus would be widely applicable to all types of electronic controllers, such as general-purpose computers and electronic devices, as well as controllers for industrial machinery. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a controller connection mechanism, comprising: a first connector element; a first locking element; and a rotatable element integrated with the first locking element such that the connection mechanism is configurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element.

[0011] This is advantageous because it provides a secure connection between different modules and / or input devices in a controller, such as a game controller. For example, in a controller that includes multiple different functional modules and / or input devices, such devices can be linked or connected together to provide a single integrated handheld device. The described connection mechanism provides for the connection of such modules and / or input devices. Rotation of the rotatable element provides an intuitive and ergonomic solution for moving the connection mechanism between the unlocked and locked configurations.

[0012] The connection mechanism may further include a second connector element configured to be connectable to the first connector element. The second connector element may be integrated into a second controller module and / or input device, while the first connector element may be integrated into a first controller module and / or input device. In this way, by providing the second connector element configured to be connectable to the first connector element, the first and second controller modules and / or input devices can be connected together.

[0013] In the locked configuration, contact between the first connector element and the second connector element is maintained when the first connector element is brought into contact with the second connector element; and in the unlocked configuration, contact between the first connector element and the second connector element is released. The unlocked configuration provides that the first connector element can be opened to connect to an additional second connector element. Further, when connected to the second connector element, the unlocked configuration provides for release of the second connector element from the first connector element. This locking structure provides a secure hold of, for example, the second connector element on the first connector element.

[0014] The controller connection may further include a spring load for providing torque to maintain contact between the first connector element and the second connector element.

[0015] The first connector element, the first locking element, and the rotatable element can be annular elements; wherein the annular elements are stacked in a stacked configuration. This provides a compact connection mechanism that can be easily integrated into a device for connection.

[0016] The second connector element of the connection mechanism is an annular element configured to be connectable to the first connector element in the stacked configuration. By setting both the second connector element and the first connector element as annular elements, this allows the second connector element to be easily connected or joined to the first connector element. The second connector element and the first connector element can be set as annular elements with corresponding diameters for easy engagement.

[0017] The first connector element of the connection mechanism can include a first plurality of teeth; the locking element of the connection mechanism can include a second plurality of teeth, and the second connector element of the connection mechanism can include a third plurality of teeth. In the unlocked configuration, the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth can be aligned relative to each other; and in the locked configuration, the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth are misaligned relative to each other. Providing teeth on each of the connector element and the locking element allows for the alignment and misalignment of the teeth on different elements to produce locking and unlocking effects.

[0018] When bringing the first connector element and the second connector element into contact, the unlocked configuration can provide the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element to fit between the first plurality of teeth of the first connector element to allow separation of the first connector element and the second connector element. When the rotatable element rotates relative to the first connector element, the locked configuration can provide the teeth of the second connector to be held by the teeth of the first locking element to prevent separation of the first connector element and the second connector element.

[0019] For example, aligning the gaps in the teeth on the first connector element with the teeth of the second connector element provides that the elements can be easily engaged with each other, i.e., the teeth of the second connector element slot into the gap between the teeth of the first connector element and the teeth of the first locking element. Once aligned in this way, rotation of the rotatable element to the locked configuration provides holding the teeth of the second connector element under the teeth of the first locking element. This provides a friction-type locking fit between the teeth of the second connector element and the teeth of the first locking element. Rotation of the rotatable element in the opposite direction provides moving the first plurality of teeth of the first locking element away from the top surface of the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element. In this way, the teeth of the second connector element are no longer held or "stuck" under the teeth of the locking element. This allows separation of the first connector element and the second connector element.

[0020] Both the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth can include 12 teeth. This provides an optimal balance between easy manufacture of the elements while still providing a secure connection.

[0021] The rotation of the rotating element of the connecting mechanism can be through an arc of at least 15 degrees. This provides sufficient rotation arc for the teeth to move between the unlocking configuration and the locking configuration for release.

[0022] The connecting mechanism may further include a cap element, and the cap element may include at least one of a printed circuit board, a PCB connection, or a universal serial bus, a USB connection. The cap element protects the connecting mechanism from external impacts or blows. In addition, the cap may provide an additional connection to an external device via the PCB or USB connection. In this way, the cap provides additional versatility of the connection.

[0023] A modular controller for communicating with an electronic device is provided, including: a first polyhedral module including a connecting mechanism for releasably attaching to one or more additional modules; wherein the connecting mechanism includes: a first connector element; a first locking element; a rotatable element integrated with the first locking element such that the connecting mechanism can be configured between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element. This provides connection of the modules of the modular controller via the connecting mechanism.

[0024] The connecting mechanism of the modular controller may further include a second connector element configured to be connectable to the first connector element of one or more additional modules.

[0025] The first connector element, the first locking element, and the rotatable element may be integrated into at least a first face of the first module, and the second connector element may be integrated into at least a second face of the first module. In this way, a given module is provided with the first connector element on at least one face and the second connector element on at least another face. The module may also include the first connectors on multiple faces. Similarly, the module may also include the second connectors on multiple faces. In a particular example, the first connector element is provided on five faces of the module, and the second connector element is provided on one face of the module. In this way, the module is provided with the ability to connect to both the first connector element and the second connector element of an additional module. For example, module A can be connected to module B via the first connector element on module A and the second connector element on module B. Similarly, module A can be connected to module B via the second connector element on module A and the first connector element on module B.

[0026] At least a first module can be attached to at least one additional module via a connection between a first connector element of the first module and a second connector element of the at least one additional module. This provides a connection between the first module and the at least one additional module. Then additional modules can be attached to the first module and / or the at least one additional module.

[0027] There is provided a controller connection mechanism, comprising: a first connector element including a first plurality of teeth; a first locking element, the first locking element including a second plurality of teeth; a rotatable element, the rotatable element being integrated with the first locking element such that the connection mechanism can be configured between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element; a second connector element, the second connector element being configured to be connectable to the first connector element, the second connector element including a third plurality of teeth; wherein upon bringing the first connector element into contact with the second connector element, the locked configuration maintains contact between the first connector element and the second connector element by misalignment of the first and second pluralities of teeth relative to each other, the locked configuration providing that upon rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element, the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element are held by the second plurality of teeth of the locking element to prevent separation of the first connector element and the second connector element; and the unlocked configuration releases contact between the first connector element and the second connector element by alignment of the first and second pluralities of teeth relative to each other, the unlocked configuration enabling the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element to fit between the first plurality of teeth of the first connector element and the second plurality of teeth of the locking element to allow separation of the first connector element and the second connector element. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view as observed of the connection mechanism of the present invention

[0030] Figure 2 A is a top view of the connection mechanism in the unlocked configuration

[0031] Figure 2 B is a perspective representation of the connection mechanism in the unlocked configuration

[0032] Figure 2 C is a top view of the connection mechanism in the locked configuration

[0033] Figure 2 D is a perspective representation of the connection mechanism in the locked configuration

[0034] Figure 3A is a top side perspective view of the second connector element

[0035] Figure 3B is a bottom perspective view of a second connector element.

[0036] Figure 3C is a representation of a second connector element moving towards a first connector element for connection to a first connection element.

[0037] Figure 4 A is a top view of a second connector element connected to a first connector element in an unlocked configuration.

[0038] Figure 4 B is a perspective representation of an unlocked configuration between a first and a second connector.

[0039] Figure 4 C is a top view of a second connector element connected to a first connector element in a locked configuration.

[0040] Figure 4 D is a perspective representation of a locked configuration between a first and a second connector.

[0041] Figure 5 A is one of a series of representations showing a second connector connected to a first connector.

[0042] Figure 5 B is one of a series of representations showing a second connector connected to a first connector.

[0043] Figure 5 C is one of a series of representations showing a second connector connected to a first connector.

[0044] Figure 5 D is one of a series of representations showing a second connector connected to a first connector.

[0045] Figure 6A is a representation of a cap element including a PCB connection.

[0046] Figure 6B is a representation diagram of a cap element including a PCB and a USB connection.

[0047] Figure 7A shows a multi-sided module for forming a modular controller.

[0048] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of a game controller having a module and an input device connected via a connection mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1It is an exploded perspective view of the connecting mechanism. Three components of the connecting mechanism are shown in the figure.

[0052] The first connector element 10 is shown together with the first locking element 11 and the rotatable element 12 integrated with the first locking element 11, such that the connecting mechanism can be configured between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element 12 relative to the first connector element 10.

[0053] The first connector element 10 is shown as having an annular shape with a top opening that includes a series of protrusions 13 or teeth around the top diameter and a raised flange 14 on the bottom surface. Twelve teeth are shown, which have the effect of allowing connection of the second connector element at one of twelve angles (see Figure 4 ). In another example, 16 teeth are provided. A gap or channel 15 is provided in the flange to allow protrusions (described further below) of the first locking element 11. The first locking element 11 also has a series of protrusions 16 or teeth on the top surface and a raised flange 17 on the bottom surface, forming a circular bottom opening 18. The size of the flange of the first locking element is designed to be received into the top opening 19 of the first connector element. The rotatable element 12 includes an annular element having protrusions or sliders 110 on the outer circumference. The size of the rotatable element is designed to be received into the bottom of the connector element 10. When in such a position, i.e., in the bottom opening of the connector element, the sliders of the locking element reside in the gap or channel 15 of the connector element. The sliders can move in the gap to configure the connecting mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked position, as will be described in further detail below. Figure 1 The exploded view of Figure 2 shows the rotatable element 12 between the first connector element 10 and the first locking element 11. However, when constructed, the rotatable element 12 is located below the first connector element and is connected to the first locking element 11 through the opening of the first connector element 10. Thus, when constructing the connecting mechanism, the first connector element 10 is sandwiched between the rotatable element 12 and the first locking element 11. This configuration will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2 A to

[0054] Figure 2 A is a top view of the connecting mechanism in the unlocked configuration, while Figure 2 B is a perspective view of the connecting mechanism in the unlocked configuration.

[0055] Figure 2Figure B shows a first connector element, a first locking element, and a rotatable element that overlap each other in a stacked configuration. The stack forms a connection mechanism that allows for the mechanical connection of the device. However, since this mechanism is used for the controller of an electronic device, in addition to the mechanical connection provided by the connection mechanism, the electrical connection of the device must also be considered. Therefore, a circular void is provided in the central region of the mechanism. This provides space to accommodate internal electronics, such as USB-C and spring pins, for the electrical connection of the device.

[0056] The rotatable element is integrated with the first locking element, with the connector element sandwiched between the rotatable element and the first locking element. The slider 110 is thus visible to the user, but the body of the rotatable element is located inside the bottom portion of the first connector element. In this configuration, the slider can move within the gap of the connector element 10. This has the effect of moving the teeth 16 of the first locking element relative to the teeth 13 of the connector element. The gap is provided as a 15-degree arc on the circumference of the bottom of the first connector element. The rotation limit of the rotatable element is thus 15 degrees between each side of this gap. This short rotation path provides a mechanism to move between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration in a quick and robust manner.

[0057] Figure 2 Figures A and 2B show the first position of the slider 110, where the teeth 13 of the connector element and the teeth 16 of the locking element are aligned. Thus, in this position, the mechanism is considered to be in the unlocked configuration. Figure 2 Figures C and 2D show the second position of the slider 110 after rotation from the first position (i.e., rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in Figures C and 2D). Here, the teeth 13 of the connector element and the teeth 16 of the locking element are out of alignment or misaligned. In this position, the mechanism is considered to be in the locked configuration. By moving the slider 110 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figures A and 2B, the mechanism can be moved back to the unlocked position. The locked or unlocked configuration can be further understood when described in combination with the second connector element. Figure 2 Figures C and 2D show the second position of the slider 110 after rotation from the first position (i.e., rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in Figures C and 2D). Here, the teeth 13 of the connector element and the teeth 16 of the locking element are out of alignment or misaligned. In this position, the mechanism is considered to be in the locked configuration. By moving the slider 110 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figures A and 2B, the mechanism can be moved back to the unlocked position. The locked or unlocked configuration can be further understood when described in combination with the second connector element. Figure 2 Figures A and 2B, the mechanism can be moved back to the unlocked position. When described in combination with the second connector element, the locked or unlocked configuration can be further understood.

[0058] Figure 3A 、 3B Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show the second connector element 30. Figure 3A Figure 3A is a top-down perspective representation of the second connector element. The second connector element is an annular element. A plurality of protrusions 31 can be seen on the top surface of the connector element. These provide connections to the surface of the module of a modular controller (not shown). Figure 3Bis a bottom perspective view of a second connector element. This surface of the second connector element is brought into contact with a locking element which is in turn connected to a first connector element. A plurality of teeth 40 are shown on the underside of the second connector element. Four teeth are shown in this example, but further configurations are possible. In a further example, six teeth are provided. In this example, the six teeth and two 'gaps' are equally spaced from each other around the circumference of the connector element. The gaps are for receiving another connector element. In the unlocked configuration of the connection mechanism, these teeth slot into the gap 41 between the teeth 16 of the locking element and the teeth 13 of the first connector element. This is shown by the arrow in Figure 3C and Figure 3C is a representation of the second connector element moving towards the first connector element for connection to the first connecting element. As shown, with the mechanism in the unlocked configuration (where the slider 110 is in the position 'B' as shown), the teeth of the second connector element can slot into the gap 41 between the teeth 16 of the locking element and the teeth 13 of the first connector element. It should be noted that the teeth 40 of the second connector element do not extend to the full height of the connector inner wall. Thus, a series of gaps 42 are provided near the circumference of the underside of the second connector element and above the teeth 40. These gaps 42 allow the teeth 16 of the locking element to move over the teeth 40 of the second connector element when the locking element is rotated to the locked configuration. In fact, in the locked configuration, the teeth 40 of the second connector element are held or held in place by the underside surface of the teeth 16 of the locking element. Now the transition from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration will be further explained.

[0059] Figure 4 A is a top view representation of the second connector element 30 connected to the first connector element 10 in the unlocked configuration, i.e., once the movement as shown in Figure 3C has brought the first and second connector elements into contact with each other. Figure 4 B is a perspective view representation of such an unlocked configuration between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. Figure 4 C is a top view of the second connector element connected to the first connector element in the locked configuration. Figure 4 D is a perspective representation of the locked configuration between the first and second connectors. Now the transition from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration will be described.

[0060] The second connector element is configured to be connectable to the first connector element. With respect to Figure 5 A, Figure 5 B, Figure 5 C and Figure 5 D this connection pattern is described. Figure 5 A shows the second connector element 30, while Figure 5 B shows the first connector element 10 to which the second connector 30 will be attached.Figure 5 Figure B shows the first connector 10 in an unlocked configuration and ready to receive the second connector 30. By moving the second connector in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 5 Figure A, the second connector can be brought into contact with the first connector. This has the effect of moving the teeth 40 of the second connector element 30 into the gap 41 between the teeth 13 of the first connector and the teeth 16 of the locking element, i.e., when the second connector contacts the first connector in this way, the teeth of the second connector (not visible in Figure 5 Figure a but the positioned second connector element marked by the numeral 40) occupy the gap or space between the teeth 13 of the first connector and the teeth 16 of the locking element. The upper and lower bounds of this space are depicted by "h" in Figure 5 Figure B. Note that this positions the teeth 40 of the second connector below the teeth 16 of the locking element. In this position, moving the slider 110 to the position shown in Figure 5 Figure C has the effect of changing the connection mechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the teeth 40 of the second connector thus remain below the teeth 16 of the first locking element. This prevents tensile or separating forces applied to the outer surfaces of the first and second connectors from disconnecting the first and second connectors from each other. In effect, this keeps the first and second connectors connected or "locked" together. The connected first and second elements are shown in Figure 5 Figure D as being in the locked configuration. Moving the slider 110 back to the position shown in Figure 5 Figure B "releases" the teeth 40 of the second connector from below the teeth 16 of the locking element. This allows the first and second connectors to separate or "unlock" from each other. Thus, it should be clear that if the first connector element is integrated into a first device and the second connector element is integrated into a second device, the first and second devices can remain together in the locked configuration and be released from each other in the unlocked configuration.

[0061] In another embodiment, a spring-loaded connection is provided. In this embodiment, a bent or tilted / inclined area is integrated into the first and second connector elements. In this way, when the first connector element contacts the second connector element, the curvature or tilted / inclined area causes the linear force applied to the first and second connector elements to be converted into a rotational force to allow the teeth of the second connector element to enter below the teeth of the first connector element. Once aligned in this way, a torque force is provided by the spring load, which has the effect of pulling the first connector element into its locked configuration. This provides the user with the convenience that they do not have to manually switch the lock back and forth. A button or additional ejection mechanism is provided to release the first connector element and the second connector element from the locked configuration.

[0062] The first and second devices can be modules for a controller of an electronic device. The first and second devices can be modules of a game controller. The first and second modules can be input devices for a controller of an electronic device. Additionally, the first and second modules can be input devices of a game controller. The module can be attached to an additional module through the connection. Similarly, the module can be connected to an input device through the described connection. Examples of input devices include one or more of a joystick, a mini-joystick, buttons, multi-buttons, triggers, or multi-triggers. The module can be considered a device that houses or is capable of housing one or more input devices.

[0063] As described above, a connection mechanism for forming a mechanical connection of the devices is stacked. However, since this mechanism is for an electronic controller, in addition to the mechanical connection provided by the connection mechanism, the electronic connection of the device must also be considered. Therefore, a circular void is provided in the central region of the mechanism. This provides space to accommodate internal electronic devices such as USB-C and spring pins. The USB and pogo pin interfaces provide an electronic connection between the devices. Figure 6A It is a representation of the cap element 60 integrated into the connection mechanism. The cap includes a PCB connection 61, and the electronics linked to the PCB connection can be housed in the circular void of the mechanism. Figure 6B Another arrangement is shown, where the cap includes a PCB 61 and a USB 62 connection.

[0064] Figure 7A A multi-faceted module 71 for forming a modular controller is shown. One or more faces 72 of the multi-faceted module can include the first or second connector elements described above. Figure 7B An example of a game controller 70 having a plurality of multi-faceted modules 71 connected through the connection mechanism as described above is shown. Each module can have the connection mechanism integrated on one or more faces. Thus, bringing the first connection element of the first module into contact with the second connection element of the second module allows the modules to be connected in the "locked" configuration as described above and then returned to the "unlocked" configuration and separated as described above. Input devices can be connected to the module in the same way. It should be clear that connecting and disconnecting the modules and input devices through the described connection mechanism provides the user with a great deal of flexibility to adapt to their gaming needs.

[0065] The words "comprising / including" and the words "having / containing" when used in reference to the present invention herein are used to specify the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0066] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, certain features of the present invention described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, the various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. A controller connection mechanism, comprising: A first connector element; A first locking element; A rotatable element, the rotatable element being integrated with the first locking element such that the connection mechanism can be configured between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element.

2. The controller connection mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: A second connector element configured to be connectable to the first connector element.

3. The controller connection mechanism according to claim 2, wherein when the first connector element is brought into contact with the second connector element, The locked configuration maintains the contact between the first connector element and the second connector element; and The unlocked configuration releases the contact between the first connector element and the second connector element.

4. The controller connection according to claim 3, further comprising a spring load for providing a torque to maintain the contact between the first connector element and the second connector element.

5. The controller connection mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connector element, the first locking element and the rotatable element are annular elements; And Wherein the annular elements are covered in a stacked configuration.

6. The controller connection mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the second connector element is an annular element configured to be connectable to the first connector element in the stacked configuration.

7. The controller connection mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein: The first connector element includes a first plurality of teeth; The locking element includes a second plurality of teeth; The second connector element includes a third plurality of teeth.

8. The controller connection mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: In the unlocked configuration, the first and second pluralities of teeth are aligned relative to each other; And In the locked configuration, the first and second pluralities of teeth are misaligned relative to each other.

9. The controller connection mechanism according to claim 8, wherein when the first connector element is brought into contact with the second connector element, The unlocked configuration provides the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element to fit between the first plurality of teeth of the first connector element and the second plurality of teeth of the locking element to allow separation of the first connector element and the second connector element; When the rotatable element rotates relative to the first connector element, the locked configuration provides the third plurality of teeth of the second connector to be held by the second plurality of teeth of the locking element to prevent separation of the first connector element and the second connector element.

10. The controller connection mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein both the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth include 12 teeth.

11. The controller connection mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein both the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth include 16 teeth, and the third plurality of teeth includes 6 teeth.

12. The controller connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the rotatable element passes through an arc of at least 15 degrees.

13. The controller connection mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cap element, the cap element including at least one of a PCB connection or a USB connection.

14. A modular controller for communicating with an electronic device, comprising: A first multi-sided module including a controller connection mechanism for releasably attaching to one or more additional modules; Wherein the connection mechanism includes: A first connector element; A first locking element; A rotatable element integrated with the first locking element such that the connection mechanism can be configured between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element.

15. The modular controller according to claim 14, further comprising a second connector element configured to be connectable to the first connector element of the one or more additional modules.

16. The modular controller according to claim 15, wherein the first connector element, the first locking element, and the rotatable element are integrated into at least a first side of the first module, and the second connector element is integrated into at least a second side of the first module.

17. The modular controller according to claim 16, including at least one first module attached to the at least one additional module by a connection between the first connector element of the first module and the second connector element of the at least one additional module.

18. A controller connection mechanism, comprising: i) A first connector element including a first plurality of teeth; ii) A first locking element including a second plurality of teeth; iii) A rotatable element integrated with the first locking element such that the connection mechanism can be configured between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element; iv) A second connector element configured to be connectable to the first connector element, the second connector element including a third plurality of teeth; Wherein upon bringing the first connector element into contact with the second connector element, The locked configuration maintains contact between the first connector element and the second connector element by misalignment of the first and second pluralities of teeth relative to each other, the locked configuration providing that the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element are held by the second plurality of teeth of the locking element upon rotation of the rotatable element relative to the first connector element to prevent separation of the first connector element and the second connector element; And The unlocking configuration releases the contact between the first and second connector elements by alignment of the first and second pluralities of teeth relative to each other, the unlocking configuration providing that the third plurality of teeth of the second connector element engage between the first plurality of teeth of the first connector element and the second plurality of teeth of the locking element to permit separation of the first and second connector elements.

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