Strain type gamepad key

By setting strain gauge devices around the buttons on the game controller to detect changes in button movement and posture, the problem of single button function in existing technologies is solved, enabling multi-directional operation control and improving the interactivity and fun of the game.

CN224166868UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28I STAR ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
I STAR ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-10
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing game controllers have limited button functionality, failing to meet the increasingly diverse gaming needs of players and lacking rich control methods and interactivity.

Method used

Strain gauges are installed around the buttons on the game controller to detect changes in button movement and posture, enabling multi-directional operation control.

Benefits of technology

It enriches the control functions of the game controller, improves the interactivity and fun of the game, and enhances the player's gaming experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a strain type gamepad key which comprises a key cap, a key arranged on the bottom side of the key cap and a strain gauge device arranged on the periphery of the key. The strain gauge device comprises a strain gauge substrate and a strain gauge, when the key is normally and vertically pressed down to touch the original key and swings obliquely, the bottom edge of the key presses the strain gauge substrate to change the resistance value of the strain gauge, and the action and posture of the key are detected by measuring the resistance change. The strain gauge substrate adopts an annular design, the strain gauges are uniformly distributed, and generally, four or eight strain gauges are arranged to realize all-directional swinging. The strain gauges are electrically connected with the control circuit, the control circuit controls roles or elements in the game to execute additional actions according to resistance changes, the control function of a single key is enriched, and game interactivity is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of game controller technology, specifically to a strain gauge game controller button, which enriches the control functions of a single button by setting strain gauge devices around the button. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing gamepad buttons only have a single press function, meaning that pressing the button vertically triggers the corresponding game command. This limited control method restricts the interactivity and fun of games, failing to meet the increasingly diverse gaming needs of players. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, players expect gamepads to offer richer and more flexible control methods to achieve more complex game actions and strategies. Therefore, an innovative gamepad button design is needed to solve the problem of the limited functionality of existing button controls. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a strain gauge gamepad button. By setting strain gauge devices around the button, the action and posture change data of the button are obtained, thereby giving a single button more control functions and improving the interactivity and fun of the gamepad.

[0004] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a strain gauge game controller button, comprising a button cap, a button disposed on the bottom side of the button cap, and strain gauge devices disposed around the button, wherein the bottom edge of the button cap is provided with a pressing portion. The strain gauge devices are used to acquire button action data, enabling a single button to have additional functions.

[0005] Furthermore, the strain gauge device specifically includes a strain gauge substrate and a strain gauge disposed on the strain gauge substrate. When the keycap is pressed down vertically normally, only the original key is activated, realizing the traditional key function; when the keycap is rocked, the pressing part at the bottom edge of the keycap presses against the strain gauge substrate, causing the strain gauge substrate to deform, and the strain gauge to deform accordingly, resulting in a change in its resistance value. By measuring the change in the resistance value of the strain gauge, the action and posture change of the key can be detected.

[0006] To accommodate the shape of the button, the strain gauge substrate adopts a ring design. This design allows for better positioning around the button, ensuring that strain gauges in all directions can effectively detect changes when the button is rocked.

[0007] Strain gauges are evenly distributed on a strain gauge substrate, and there is at least one strain gauge. To achieve the omnidirectional rocking function of the button, four or eight strain gauges are typically used. Multiple evenly distributed strain gauges can more accurately detect the rocking motion of the button in different directions, providing richer data for game control.

[0008] The strain gauge is electrically connected to the control circuit of the game controller. The control circuit controls in-game characters or elements to perform additional actions based on changes in the resistance value of the strain gauge. For example, in action games, swaying the button can trigger special actions such as dodging and rolling; in strategy games, it can be used to switch between different command modes, etc.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0010] 1. Enhanced Control Functions: By incorporating strain gauges around the buttons, each button not only functions as a traditional vertical press but can also trigger additional game commands through rocking motions, greatly enriching the game controller's control capabilities.

[0011] 2. Enhanced game interactivity: Players can interact with the game through a wider range of operations, increasing the game's fun and challenge, and improving the player's gaming experience.

[0012] 3. Simple structure: The strain gauge device has a relatively simple structure and is easy to integrate into existing game controller designs without adding too much cost and complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a strain gauge game controller button includes a button cap 1, a button 2 disposed on the bottom side of the button cap 1, and a strain gauge device 3 disposed around the button. The strain gauge device 3 includes an annular strain gauge substrate 301 and eight strain gauges 302 evenly distributed on the strain gauge substrate 301 (in other embodiments, one strain gauge or other number of strain gauges may be provided as needed). The strain gauges 302 are electrically connected to the control circuit of the game controller. A pressing part 101 is provided on the bottom edge of the button cap 1.

[0017] Installation process:

[0018] First, install the annular strain gauge substrate 301 around the game controller button 2, ensuring its position is fixed relative to the button 2. This can be achieved using glue or clips. For the strain gauge substrate 301, a polyimide (PI) film substrate, epoxy resin substrate, phenolic resin substrate, or metal substrate can be used. Alternatively, the circuit board area around the button can be used directly as the strain gauge substrate, with the strain gauge directly adhered to this area.

[0019] Then, the strain gauge 302 is evenly attached to the strain gauge substrate 301. Note that the attachment position should be accurate to ensure that the strain gauge 302 can change normally with the deformation of the strain gauge substrate 301.

[0020] Finally, the strain gauge 302 is electrically connected to the control circuit of the game controller. The connection method can be welding or connectors, etc., to ensure a stable and reliable connection.

[0021] Usage process:

[0022] Traditional press function: When the player presses down the keycap 1 vertically, the key directly touches the original key 2, realizing the traditional game command trigger, such as pressing the key to shoot in a shooting game.

[0023] Swing Function: When the player swings the keycap 1, the pressing part 101 on the bottom edge of the keycap presses the strain gauge substrate 301, causing the strain gauge substrate 301 to deform. The strain gauge 302 deforms accordingly, changing its resistance value. The control circuit monitors the resistance change of the strain gauge 302 in real time and converts it into corresponding game commands according to a preset algorithm. For example, in a racing game, if the player tilts the key to the left, the control circuit detects the resistance change of the corresponding strain gauge 302 and triggers a drift action to the left.

[0024] Maintenance process:

[0025] If the rocking function of the button is found to be abnormal during use, first check whether the connection between the strain gauge 302 and the control circuit is loose or damaged. If the connection is normal, then check whether the strain gauge 302 is damaged or detached from the strain gauge substrate 301.

[0026] If strain gauge 302 is damaged, carefully remove the damaged strain gauge 302, replace it with a new strain gauge 302, and re-attach and reconnect it. If strain gauge substrate 301 is damaged, the entire strain gauge substrate 301 needs to be replaced, and the strain gauge 302 needs to be reinstalled and electrically connected.

[0027] In summary, the adaptive game controller button of this utility model, through its innovative design, effectively solves the problem of the limited control function of a single button in existing game controllers, and has good market application prospects and promotional value.

[0028] 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 type of adaptive game controller button, characterized in that: It includes a keycap, a button located on the bottom side of the keycap, and a strain gauge device located around the button. The bottom edge of the keycap has a pressing part.

2. The adaptive game controller button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The strain gauge device includes a strain gauge substrate and strain gauges disposed on the strain gauge substrate.

3. The adaptive game controller button according to claim 2, characterized in that: The strain gauge substrate adopts a ring design to accommodate the shape of the button.

4. The adaptive game controller button according to claim 2, characterized in that: The strain gauges are uniformly distributed on the strain gauge substrate.

5. The adaptive game controller button according to claim 2, characterized in that: There is at least one strain gauge.

6. The adaptive game controller button according to claim 5, characterized in that: The strain gauges are provided in four or eight pieces.

7. The adaptive game controller button according to claim 1, characterized in that: The strain gauge is electrically connected to the control circuit of the game controller.