Adaptive Volume Controller Using Linear Motor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld controllers have a fixed shape, making it difficult to provide users with an optimal feeling of use for diverse content executed on electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a volume changing unit, driven by multiple flexible plates and moving blocks, and controlled by a driving unit, allowing for adjustable shape and volume changes based on user input and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the controller has a fixed shape, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide optimal feeling of use for diverse content
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs a volume changing unit with flexible plates that can dynamically alter the controller's external shape and volume. The flexible plates are capable of bending and deforming to transform the controller between different shapes (e.g., from a compact first shape to an extended second shape), allowing the controller to adapt its form factor to match different content types and provide optimized ergonomics for various usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume changing unit is divided into multiple flexible plates that can be independently controlled. Each flexible plate can be actuated separately by driving units to achieve different deformation patterns. This segmentation allows for fine-grained control over the controller's shape transformation, enabling complex shape changes while maintaining structural manageability.
2Ease of operation
If the controller shape is changed to match content types, then user experience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller utilizes flexible plates as the primary mechanism for shape transformation. These flexible plates act as thin, deformable structural elements that can bend and change shape when actuated by the driving units. The flexible nature of these plates allows for smooth shape transitions and provides tactile feedback to the user, enhancing the feeling of use while keeping the transformation mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs linear motors as driving units to actuate the flexible plates. Linear motors provide direct linear motion without requiring complex mechanical transmission mechanisms such as gears, belts, or linkages. This substitution of traditional mechanical systems with electromagnetic actuation simplifies the overall controller structure while enabling precise and rapid shape changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user experience and satisfaction by allowing the controller to adapt its shape and volume to match different content types, providing a more vivid and diverse feeling of use.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit for moving at least one of one end and the other end of the volume changing unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a controller capable of changing volume. The controller according to the present invention includes a housing; a volume changing unit installed outside the housing and having one end and the other end movable with respect to the housing, respectively; a driving unit for moving at least one of one end and the other end of the volume changing unit; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve a user's feeling of use and to enhance satisfaction and fun by variously changing the volume, shape, etc. of a controller.