Conductive Spring Controller Assembly for Wiring-Free Capacitive Inputs

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional virtual reality headset controllers with capacitive electrodes require additional wiring for connection to processing circuitry, increasing weight, complexity, and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating electrically conductive springs that connect a printed circuit board to electronic components like capacitive electrodes, eliminating the need for additional wiring by providing both mechanical and electrical pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additional wiring (flex cables and zip connectors) is used to connect capacitive electrodes to processing circuitry, then the capacitive controls can be disposed in close proximity to controller contact surfaces, but the weight and complexity of the hand-held controllers increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitive control functionalityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical support function and electrical connection function into a single integrated component (the spring). The spring provides both the mechanical mounting structure for the capacitive electrode and the electrical pathway to the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate flex cables and connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the capacitive electrode, establishes electrical connection to the printed circuit board, enables button press detection through compression, and provides structural integration within the controller housing. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional wiring (flex cables and zip connectors) is used to connect capacitive electrodes to processing circuitry, then the capacitive controls can be disposed in close proximity to controller contact surfaces, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacitive control functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical support function and electrical connection function into a single integrated component (the spring). The spring provides both the mechanical mounting structure for the capacitive electrode and the electrical pathway to the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate flex cables and connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (flex cables and zip connectors) from the system. By removing these separate wiring elements and replacing them with a single spring component, manufacturing steps are reduced and costs are lowered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conventional wiring methods are used, then electrical connection can be established, but the weight of the hand-held controllers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcontroller weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is constructed from a thin, flexible conductive material that provides electrical connection with minimal mass. This flexible metallic structure replaces bulky conventional wiring while maintaining electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility within the controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution reduces the weight and complexity of the controllers, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances durability while maintaining immersive virtual reality experiences.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one conductive spring may include an electrically conductive material that electrically couples the electronic component to the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The button housing may be biased toward the extended position by the at least one conductive spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The at least one conductive spring may further include a torsion spring having a coiled portion surrounding part of the pivot member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion Spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10447265B1Hand-held controllers including electrically conductive springs for head-mounted-display systems

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A hand-held controller for a head-mounted-display system may include (1) a printed circuit board, (2) an electronic component that is separate from the printed circuit board, and (3) at least one conductive spring. The at least one conductive spring may include (1) a circuit-board connection portion electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and (2) a component connection portion electrically coupled to the electronic component. The at least one conductive spring may include an electrically conductive material that electrically couples the electronic component to the printed circuit board. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.