Auxiliary Device for Simultaneous Gaming and Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Nintendo Switch gaming device's play modes are not suitable for all gaming software, and users cannot play games while charging the device in tabletop mode due to the charging port's location.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary device with a support body, connecting part, and insertion slots that allows for electrical connection with the gaming device, enabling simultaneous gameplay and charging, and includes extension key modules and touch input modules to enhance input capabilities and play modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the charging port is located under the game console, then the game console structure is simplified, but the user cannot play the game during the charging process in tabletop mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to play game during chargingVSAvoidcharging port location configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an auxiliary device as an intermediary component between the game console and charging cable. This auxiliary device includes a receiving cavity that accepts the game console and a charging cable connection portion that interfaces with the charging cable, enabling charging functionality without modifying the original console structure. The auxiliary device acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction by providing external charging access while maintaining the console's original design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the charging functionality from the vertical dimension (under the console) to the external horizontal dimension (side-mounted auxiliary device). By placing the charging cable connection portion on the side of the auxiliary device rather than underneath the console, users can access the charging port while the console remains in tabletop mode on the surface, enabling simultaneous gameplay and charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gaming device provides multiple play modes, then the versatility of the gaming system is improved, but the existing control inputs are not suitable for all gaming software

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput capability for different gamesVSAvoidcontrol input configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates multiple types of input mechanisms within the auxiliary device, including extension keys, touch screens, and joysticks. These diverse input methods can accommodate various gaming software requirements across different play modes (handheld, tabletop, TV modes). The auxiliary device serves as a universal control solution that adapts to different game types without requiring separate controllers for each game.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the control input functionality into separate modular components within the auxiliary device. The extension keys, touch screen, and joysticks are distinct segmented elements that can be independently used or combined depending on the specific gaming software requirements. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of input methods without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10896571B2Auxiliary device for gaming device
Publication Date: 2021.01.19 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD
  • US10896571B2 patent drawing
  • US10896571B2 patent drawing
  • US10896571B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An auxiliary device for a gaming device is provided. The auxiliary device includes a support body, a connecting part, a first insertion slot and a second insertion slot. The support body is coupled with the gaming device. The connecting part is disposed on the support body. The connecting part is inserted into a connection port of the gaming device, so that the auxiliary device is electrically connected with the gaming device. The first insertion slot is formed in a first outer surface of the support body, and exposed outside the support body. The first insertion slot is connected with a charging cable of the gaming device. The second insertion slot is formed in a second outer surface of the support body, and exposed outside the support body. The second insertion slot is connected with a charging dock of the gaming device.