Arcade Lever Controller With Digital Signal Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer game controllers fail to seamlessly integrate contemporary game control principles with retro arcade-style game features, limiting the immersive gaming experience for players who enjoy both types of gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A computer game controller featuring a base with active buttons in arcuate rows, a lever with a grip, and an actuator coupled to a shaft to generate digital signals, incorporating microswitches or magnetic sensors for precise input, allowing for both digital and analog signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller integrates both contemporary and retro arcade-style features, then the gaming experience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines contemporary digital button controls with retro arcade-style analog lever controls into a single unified controller device. The lever mechanism with its shaft, actuator, and microswitch integration merges traditional arcade aesthetics with modern digital signal processing capabilities, allowing players to access both gaming styles through one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both digital buttons for contemporary game control and an analog lever for retro arcade-style input. The lever can detect multiple positions (up, down, left, right, neutral) and generate corresponding digital signals, making the device universally applicable to various game types and platforms.
2Measurement precision
If a lever mechanism with multiple microswitches is used for precise digital signal detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is segmented into multiple independent detection points using separate microswitches positioned at different locations. Each microswitch independently detects a specific lever position (up, down, left, right), allowing precise identification of lever orientation through modular, discrete sensing elements rather than a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary element that translates lever shaft movement into microswitch activation. When the lever is moved, the actuator moves with it and mechanically triggers the appropriate microswitch, mediating between the analog lever motion and the digital signal output required by modern game systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If an actuator is coupled to the shaft using a pin or set screw, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin or set screw coupling mechanism allows for self-adjusting alignment between the actuator and shaft. The components can be manually positioned and secured without requiring complex precision machining or specialized assembly tools, enabling the system to achieve proper alignment through simple mechanical insertion and securing.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless computer game controller has an arcade-style lever for controlling action in a computer game as well as action buttons reflecting contemporary game controllers and control buttons for controlling device operation. Digital signals are generated from manipulation of the lever.