Angled Directional Pad with Inductive Charging for Remote Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control devices lack accessibility and ease of use due to conventional design limitations, particularly in directional control pads, which can be improved for better user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device featuring a directional control pad tilted at an offset angle relative to the front face, with a disk-shaped appearance and weighted design for balanced resting on a charging base, incorporating inductive charging and magnetic couplings for secure positioning, and optionally a touch-sensitive display for enhanced user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the directional control pad is tilted at an offset angle relative to the front face, then user interaction and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional control pad is tilted at an offset angle (e.g., 20 degrees) relative to the front face, transitioning from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional angled surface. This dimensional change provides intuitive directional input and improves accessibility for users with different hand positions and abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional control pad employs an asymmetric tilted design where one portion (e.g., up directional input location) is recessed into the front face while another portion (e.g., down directional input location) protrudes from the front face. This asymmetric configuration enhances ergonomic interaction and distinguishes directional inputs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus is weighted to have center of gravity within the directional control pad area, then stability on charging base is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is weighted such that its center of gravity lies within the area of the directional control pad, creating a counterbalancing effect that stabilizes the device when resting on the charging base. This weighted design prevents tipping and ensures proper positioning during charging.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic couplings are added to secure the apparatus to the base, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic couplings are incorporated into the rear portion of the directional control pad to act as an intermediary force that secures the apparatus to the charging base. These magnets provide automatic alignment and secure positioning without mechanical fasteners, improving positioning accuracy while maintaining ease of use.
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
The tilted directional control pad enhances user interaction by providing intuitive directional input while the weighted design and charging features ensure stability and convenience, improving overall accessibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The charging base and apparatus may have inductive charging circuitry to allow the batteries of the apparatus to be inductively charged by the charging base.
Implementation Method 2
the rear portion of the directional control pad may also include one or more magnetic couplings to secure the apparatus to the base while charging.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld remote control device may have an angled directional control pad having a planar orientation that is askew from a front face control surface of the remote control device. The angled directional control pad may include a rear portion on the rear of the remote control device, which may be angled as well. The rear portion of the directional control pad may include an inductive charging circuit for charging a battery of the remote control device, and may be configured to mate with a charging base.