Clutched Force-Feedback Trigger for Dynamic Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user-input devices, such as game controllers, cannot dynamically adjust user-perceived states like resistance, tension, or vibration of triggers based on game parameters or user preferences, limiting immersion and control fidelity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a user-actuatable trigger with a force-feedback motor that adjusts user-perceived states through a clutch mechanism, allowing dynamic changes in resistance, tension, and vibration based on computing device parameters or user input, enabling more immersive gaming experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a force-feedback motor is integrated into the trigger mechanism, then user-perceived states (resistance, tension, vibration) can be dynamically adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the user-actuatable trigger and the force-feedback motor. The clutch selectively engages and disengages the motor from the trigger mechanism, allowing the motor to influence trigger characteristics only when needed. This mediator approach enables dynamic adjustment of trigger states without permanently complicating the mechanical linkage, as the clutch can disconnect the motor when its influence is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts trigger characteristics by controlling the engagement state of the clutch and the operation of the force-feedback motor. The motor can be activated to provide resistance, tension, or vibration effects during specific game scenarios, while remaining disengaged during other periods. This dynamic control allows the trigger mechanism to adapt its behavior based on real-time game conditions without maintaining constant complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clutch mechanism is added to selectively engage the force-feedback motor, then the trigger can be adjusted dynamically, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions within the trigger assembly: it selectively engages the motor to provide force feedback, it allows free movement of the trigger when disengaged, and it enables dynamic reconfiguration of the mechanical linkage. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the overall complexity increase is minimized while achieving selective engagement capability.
3Extent of automation
If the force-feedback motor is constantly engaged with the trigger, then continuous control is possible, but the drag on trigger movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous engagement, the force-feedback motor is periodically engaged only when force feedback effects are needed for specific game scenarios. The clutch mechanism enables this periodic action by selectively connecting the motor to the trigger mechanism during relevant moments and disconnecting it during other periods. This approach maintains trigger responsiveness during disengagement while providing automated control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor's influence on the trigger mechanism is extracted or removed by disengaging the clutch during periods when force feedback is not required. This extraction eliminates the drag and resistance that would otherwise be present from continuous motor engagement, thereby maintaining ease of operation and trigger responsiveness. The motor is effectively taken out of the mechanical linkage when its control function is not needed.
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 immersion by dynamically adjusting trigger states to match game scenarios or user preferences, providing a more realistic and engaging control experience.
Implementation Method 1
a force-feedback motor configured to activate based on a force-feedback signal
Implementation Method 2
a clutch operatively intermediate the user-actuatable trigger and the force-feedback motor and configured to mechanically change engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A user-input device includes a user-actuatable trigger configured to pivot about a trigger axis, a posture sensor configured to determine a posture of the user-actuatable trigger about the trigger axis, a force-feedback motor configured to activate based on a force-feedback signal, and a clutch operatively intermediate the user-actuatable trigger and the force-feedback motor and configured to mechanically change engagement between the user-actuatable trigger and the force-feedback motor.