Pressing force adjusting mechanism for keys of gamepad

By using a threaded drive design with a rotating ring and pre-pressing components, combined with electric or manual transmission components, the pressing force of the game controller buttons can be adjusted without disassembly, solving the problem of complex button force adjustment in existing technologies and improving the convenience of player operation and gaming experience.

CN224082369UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-03I STAR ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-16
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Adjusting the button pressure of existing game controllers requires disassembling the controller, which is complicated and requires a high level of dexterity from the player, thus interrupting the gaming experience.

Method used

Employing a threaded transmission design with a rotating ring, preload component, and preload spring, combined with an electric worm gear, manual worm gear, or electric spur gear transmission assembly, it enables button pressure adjustment without disassembling the gamepad. The motor operation is controlled via the gamepad buttons or software interface, allowing direct or manual adjustment of the button pressure.

Benefits of technology

The process of adjusting button pressure has been simplified, improving ease of operation and gaming experience, meeting the personalized needs of different players, and ensuring structural reliability and durability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a pressing force adjusting mechanism of a game handle key. The pressing force adjusting mechanism is mainly composed of a shell, a rotating ring, a pre-pressing piece, a key cap and a pre-pressing spring. The rotating ring is matched with threads or protrusions on the outer wall of the pre-pressing piece through a thread groove in the inner wall and driven by the transmission assembly to rotate so as to adjust the position of the pre-pressing piece, the compression degree of the pre-pressing spring is changed, and adjustment of the pressing force of the key is achieved. The keys can be arranged on the gamepad main control board or the independent key circuit board. The transmission assembly is diversified and comprises an electric worm meshed with the worm gear teeth, a manual worm and a transmission straight gear meshed with the straight teeth. The mechanism can conveniently adjust the pressing force of the key without opening a handle, provides multiple adjusting modes, improves the game experience, and is simple and reliable in structure.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of game controller button technology, and in particular to a game controller button pressure adjustment mechanism for convenient adjustment of game controller button pressure. Background Technology

[0002] In the current game controller market, some controllers use springs with different elastic coefficients to adjust the button pressure for the ABXY buttons. Specifically, the stronger the spring, the more force the player needs to press the button; conversely, the weaker the spring, the less force is required. However, players need to replace the springs to change the button pressure. This process is inconvenient, usually requiring opening the controller's casing and accessing the internal structure. This not only demands a certain level of dexterity from the player but also risks damaging the controller due to improper operation and interrupting the gaming experience. Therefore, developing a mechanism that allows for convenient and quick adjustment of button pressure without disassembling the controller has become a crucial problem that urgently needs to be solved in the field of game controller technology. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a button pressure adjustment mechanism for game controllers, so as to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies that require complex button pressure adjustment methods, disassembly of the controller, and high hands-on skills from players, and provide players with a convenient and efficient button pressure adjustment solution.

[0004] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a pressing force adjustment mechanism for game controller buttons, comprising a housing, a rotating ring, a pre-pressing component, a keycap, and a pre-pressing spring. The inner wall of the rotating ring is provided with an internal threaded groove, and the outer wall of the pre-pressing component is provided with a thread or protrusion that matches the internal threaded groove of the rotating ring. When the rotating ring rotates, based on the transmission principle of the thread, the pre-pressing component moves in a specific direction within the housing. The housing is provided with a limiting guide post and a keycap guide opening. The center of the pre-pressing component is provided with a limiting guide opening that matches the limiting guide post. The guide post ensures that the pre-pressing component can only move up and down along the direction of the guide post, playing a precise limiting and guiding role. Keycap mounting openings are provided around the guide opening for mounting keycaps. The lower end of the keycap is provided with an outward-curved edge, and the upper end of the keycap mounting opening is provided with an inward-curved edge. A pre-pressing spring is installed between the two. When the pre-pressing component moves up and down, it compresses or releases the pre-pressing spring, thereby changing the pressing force of the keycap and adjusting the button feel. There are buttons on the underside of the keycaps; players can press the keycaps to trigger the corresponding button functions.

[0005] The buttons are located on the game controller's main control board or a dedicated button circuit board. This design ensures an effective connection between the buttons and the game controller's overall circuitry, guaranteeing that button trigger signals are accurately transmitted to the game controller's control system, enabling interactive functionality with the game.

[0006] The transmission assembly features a diverse design: the outer wall of the rotating ring is equipped with gear teeth and a transmission assembly that meshes with them. The transmission assembly drives the rotating ring to rotate, thereby controlling the pre-compression components.

[0007] When the gear teeth are worm gears, the transmission component can be an electric worm gear, which is connected to a drive motor. The drive motor can be controlled by the game controller's control circuit or accompanying software. During gameplay, players can send commands to the control circuit via preset function buttons on the game controller or through the settings interface in the game software. The control circuit drives the motor to rotate, which in turn rotates the electric worm gear. The worm gear meshes with the worm gear teeth, thereby rotating the rotating ring and ultimately adjusting the button pressure. This electric adjustment method is intelligent and easy to operate; players do not need to manually operate the external adjustment components of the game controller and can quickly adjust the button pressure during gameplay.

[0008] When the gear teeth are worm gears, the transmission component can also be a manual worm gear, which connects to a manual knob. The player can directly turn the manual knob, which drives the manual worm gear to rotate. The manual worm gear meshes with the worm gear teeth, driving the rotating ring to adjust the button pressing force. Manual adjustment is intuitive and simple, allowing players to adjust the button pressing force accurately and in real-time according to their own feel.

[0009] When the gear teeth are spur gears, the transmission component is a spur gear, which is connected to the drive motor. The drive motor rotates, causing the spur gear to mesh with the spur teeth on the outer wall of the rotating ring, thus rotating the ring, changing the position of the preload component, and adjusting the button pressing force. This electric spur gear transmission method provides a relatively direct and rapid adjustment response. The drive motor is a drive motor with electromagnetic braking function. When the motor stops, the electromagnetic braking device automatically engages, generating a braking torque on the motor shaft. Since the motor shaft is connected to the spur gear, this indirectly prevents the spur gear from reversing under the preload spring force, thereby preventing the rotating ring from reversing. This method utilizes the inherent characteristics of the motor to achieve braking, eliminating the need for additional complex mechanical braking structures.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0011] 1. Convenient Adjustment: The adjustment mechanism of this invention does not require opening the game controller shell. Players can easily adjust the button pressure using either electric or manual adjustment. This greatly simplifies the adjustment process, avoids the risks and inconveniences of disassembling the controller, reduces the skill requirements for players, and enhances the convenience and experience during use.

[0012] 2. Diverse Adjustment Methods: Multiple transmission components, including electric worm gears, manual worm gears, and electric spur gears, cater to the operating habits and usage scenarios of different players. Electric adjustment is suitable for players who need to quickly and precisely adjust button pressure during gameplay, and can be achieved through gamepad buttons or software settings; manual adjustment provides convenience for players who prefer manual operation and need a direct feel for button pressure adjustments.

[0013] 3. Enhanced Gaming Experience: Players can flexibly adjust the button pressure according to different game types and personal preference. For example, in fighting games, the button pressure can be increased to provide a stronger feedback when executing moves; in casual games, the button pressure can be decreased for easier and more comfortable operation. This personalized adjustment function can significantly improve the player's immersion and operational precision, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

[0014] 4. Simple and reliable structure: The entire adjustment mechanism adopts mature principles such as threaded transmission and gear transmission, with a simple and clear structural design. The connections and fits between the components are tight, ensuring high stability and guaranteeing the reliability and durability of the pressure adjustment function during long-term use, reducing the probability of failure caused by structural complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of one side of Embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the other side of embodiments one and two of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of one side of Embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the other side of Embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 These are top views of embodiments one and two of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view at point AA.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating ring in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the pre-compression component in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the other side of the pre-compression component in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 9 As shown, an electric worm gear adjustment mechanism is used for adjusting the pressing force of game controller buttons. It includes a housing 1, a rotating ring 2, a pre-pressing component 3, a keycap 4, and a pre-pressing spring 5. The inner wall of the rotating ring 2 has an internal threaded groove 201, and the outer wall of the pre-pressing component 3 has a thread or protrusion 301 that mates with the internal threaded groove 201 of the rotating ring (in this embodiment, a protrusion 301 is used; in other embodiments, a thread can also be used). The housing 1 has a limiting guide post 101 and a keycap guide opening 102. The center of the pre-pressing component 3 has a limiting guide post 101. The guide post 101 is adapted to a limiting guide port 302. The limiting guide port 302 has keycap mounting ports 303 around its perimeter, and keycaps 4 are mounted thereon. The lower end of the keycap 4 has an outward-curved edge 401, and the upper end of the keycap mounting port 303 has an inward-curved edge 304. A preload spring 5 is provided between the outward-curved edge 401 and the inward-curved edge 304. A corresponding button 6 is provided on the lower side of the keycap 4. The button 6 is mounted on the main control board of the game controller or an independent button circuit board 7 (in other embodiments, it can also be mounted on the main control board of the game controller). The outer wall of the rotating ring 2 has worm gear teeth 202, and an electric worm 8 meshes with the worm gear teeth 202. The electric worm 8 is connected to a drive motor.

[0026] The adjustment mechanism of this embodiment is applied to the game controller. When a player needs to adjust the pressing force of button 6 in a game, such as in a racing game where the player feels that the current pressing force of button 6 is insufficient and needs to increase the force to better simulate the operation feel of real driving, the player sends an adjustment command through the preset "Adjust button 6 force" function key on the game controller. After receiving the command, the control circuit inside the game controller starts the drive motor, which drives the electric worm gear 8 to rotate. Since the electric worm gear 8 meshes with the worm gear teeth 202 on the outer wall of the rotating ring 2, the rotating ring 2 begins to rotate. As the rotating ring 2 rotates, the internal thread groove 201 on its inner wall engages with the thread on the outer wall of the preload member 3, causing the preload member 3 to move downward along the limiting guide post 101 on the housing 1. The preload spring 5 is further compressed, forming a preload assist, thereby reducing the pressing force required for the keycap 4. When the player presses button 6 again, they can feel the change in force, improving the game operation experience. Conversely, if the player presses the button again, the pressing force required for the keycap 4 will increase.

[0027] Example 2: Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a manual worm gear adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pressing force of a game controller button includes a housing 1, a rotating ring 2, a pre-pressing component 3, a keycap 4, and a pre-pressing spring 5. The inner wall of the rotating ring 2 is provided with an internal thread groove 201, and the outer wall of the pre-pressing component 3 is provided with a thread or protrusion 301 that mates with the internal thread groove 201 of the rotating ring. The housing 1 is provided with a limiting guide post 101 and a keycap guide opening 102. The center of the pre-pressing component 3 is provided with a limiting guide opening 302 that matches the guide post. The limiting guide opening 302 is surrounded by keycap mounting openings 303, and keycaps 4 are mounted thereon. The lower end of the keycap 4 is provided with an outward-curved edge 401, and the upper end of the keycap mounting opening 303 is provided with an inward-curved edge 304. A pre-pressing spring 5 is provided between the outward-curved edge 401 and the inward-curved edge 304. A corresponding button 6 is provided on the lower side of the keycap 4, and the button 6 is set on the main control board or independent button circuit board 7 of the game controller. The outer wall of the rotating ring 2 is provided with worm gear teeth 202, and a manual worm gear meshing with the worm gear teeth 202 is provided. The manual worm gear is connected to the manual knob.

[0028] When using this game controller with manual worm gear adjustment, if a player wants to adjust the actuation force of button 6, they simply turn the manual knob on the side of the controller. The knob rotates the manual worm gear. The worm gear interacts with the worm wheel teeth 202 on the outer wall of the rotating ring 2, causing the rotating ring 2 to rotate, which in turn moves the preload component 3. Suppose the player is playing a strategy game and wants a lighter, quicker press of button 6. By turning the manual knob clockwise, the preload component 3 moves downwards, increasing the compression of the preload spring 5, creating preload assist. This reduces the required actuation force of button 4, allowing the player to easily and quickly press button 6, meeting the operational needs of that game scenario. Conversely, turning the knob clockwise increases the required actuation force of button 4.

[0029] Example 3: Refer to Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a pressing force adjustment mechanism for a game controller button includes a housing 1, a rotating ring 2, a pre-pressing component 3, a keycap 4, and a pre-pressing spring 5. The inner wall of the rotating ring 2 is provided with an internal threaded groove 201, and the outer wall of the pre-pressing component 3 is provided with a thread or protrusion 301 that mates with the internal threaded groove 201 of the rotating ring. The housing 1 is provided with a limiting guide post 101 and a keycap guide opening 102. The center of the pre-pressing component 3 is provided with a limiting guide opening 302 that matches the guide post. The limiting guide opening 302 is provided with keycap mounting openings 303 around it, and keycaps 4 are mounted thereon. The lower end of the keycap 4 is provided with an outward-curved edge 401, and the upper end of the keycap mounting opening 303 is provided with an inward-curved edge 304. A pre-pressing spring 5 is provided between the outward-curved edge 401 and the inward-curved edge 304. A corresponding button 6 is provided on the lower side of the keycap 4, and the button 6 is set on the main control board or independent button circuit board 7 of the game controller. The outer wall of the rotating ring 2 is provided with spur teeth, and a transmission spur gear (not shown) meshes with the spur teeth. The transmission spur gear (not shown) is connected to the drive motor, and the drive motor is a drive motor with electromagnetic braking function.

[0030] In a game controller that supports adjustable button 6 pressure via an electric spur gear, players can adjust the pressure required for button 6 through the game software's settings interface. For example, in a shooting game, if a player finds that the current button 6 pressure is not sensitive enough for rapid firing and wants to reduce it, they can find the "Button 6 Pressure Adjustment" option in the game software and decrease the value. The software sends a command to the game controller's control circuit, which drives the motor to rotate. The motor then rotates the transmission spur gear. The transmission spur gear meshes with the spur teeth on the outer wall of the rotating ring 2, causing the rotating ring 2 to rotate. This causes the preload component 3 to move downwards, increasing the compression of the preload spring 5, creating preload assistance, and thus reducing the required pressure for button 6. When shooting in the game, players can press button 6 more quickly and accurately, improving shooting efficiency. Conversely, increasing the pressure required for button 4 increases the pressure required for button 6.

[0031] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad key, characterized by: It includes a shell, a rotating ring, a pre-pressing piece, a key cap and a pre-pressing spring, the inner wall of the rotating ring is provided with an internal thread groove, the outer wall of the pre-pressing piece is provided with a thread or a protrusion matched with the internal thread groove of the rotating ring, the shell is provided with a limiting guide column and a key cap guide opening, the center of the pre-pressing piece is provided with a limiting guide opening matched with the limiting guide column, the guide opening is provided with a key cap mounting opening around, and the key cap is mounted, the lower end of the key cap is provided with an outward turned edge, the upper end of the key cap mounting opening is provided with an inward turned edge, and the pre-pressing spring is arranged between the outward turned edge and the inward turned edge; the lower side of the key cap is provided with a corresponding key.

2. The pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The key is arranged on a game handle main control board or an independent key circuit board.

3. The pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the rotating ring is provided with a gear, and a transmission assembly is arranged to engage with the gear.

4. The pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gear is a worm gear, and the transmission assembly is an electric worm.

5. The pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gear is a worm gear, and the transmission assembly is a manual worm, connected with a manual knob.

6. The pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad button according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gear is a straight gear, the transmission assembly is a transmission straight gear, and the transmission straight gear is connected with a driving motor.

7. The pressing force adjusting mechanism of a gamepad button according to claim 6, characterized in that: The driving motor is a driving motor with an electromagnetic brake function.