Directional Control Pad Assembly With Spring Return and Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input devices for electronic systems, such as video game controllers, lack efficient mechanisms for signal generation and communication, particularly in terms of directional control and tactile feedback, which can lead to user fatigue and reduced gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A user input device with a directional control pad assembly featuring a pivotable button cap, snap dome film, and a return mechanism with multiple springs, along with a battery assembly that includes foam layers and adhesive layers for improved thermal performance and structural integrity, enabling efficient signal communication and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional button mechanism is used for directional control, then the device structure is simple, but the tactile feedback is insufficient and user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control pad assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: button cap, bracket, snap dome film, and return mechanism with multiple springs. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to provide enhanced tactile feedback through the snap dome film while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The snap dome film acts as an intermediary element between the button cap and the circuit board. When the button cap is pressed, the snap dome film provides tactile feedback and completes the electrical circuit, resolving the contradiction by adding feedback functionality without requiring direct mechanical connection to complex mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If multiple springs are used in the return mechanism, then the tactile feedback is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple springs are merged into a single integrated return mechanism assembly that attaches to the bracket. The springs work together as a unified system to provide tactile feedback, reducing the number of separate assembly steps while maintaining the enhanced feedback functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The return mechanism with multiple springs is designed to self-assemble onto the bracket through the hub portion and arm supports. The springs automatically engage with the bracket structure, reducing the need for complex fastening operations and simplifying the manufacturing process
3Temperature
If the battery assembly uses traditional mounting without foam layers, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the thermal management is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Foam layers are introduced as flexible thermal management elements within the battery assembly. The foam provides thermal insulation and cushioning while conforming to the battery pack shape, enabling effective thermal management without requiring rigid or complex structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly uses composite construction combining the battery pack, foam layers, adhesive layers, and bracket. This composite structure integrates thermal management functionality into the existing assembly, providing temperature control without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
4Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive layers are used to secure the battery pack, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layers are designed with specific thickness parameters and coverage areas that provide sufficient bonding strength without requiring high-precision application. The foam layers complement the adhesive by providing mechanical support and distribution of stresses, reducing the precision requirements for adhesive application
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 device provides enhanced user interaction with improved tactile feedback and reduced user fatigue through efficient signal generation and communication, while the battery assembly ensures reliable power supply and thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring having a fixed end connected to the hub portion and a free end that is configured to deflect relative to the fixed end, the free end being coupled to a first portion of the peripheral lip of the button cap
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer disposed between the top surface of the battery pack and the bracket
Implementation Method 3
a first foam layer coupled to the bottom surface of the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A control pad assembly for an input device includes a bracket with a support having a bearing surface, a button cap configured to pivot relative to the bracket, the button cap including a peripheral lip and a pivot member configured to abut against the bearing surface of the support, and a return mechanism configured to bias the button cap towards the bracket. The return mechanism includes a hub portion positioned at least partially between the button cap and the bracket, and at least a first spring having a fixed end connected to the hub portion and a free end that is configured to deflect relative to the fixed end, the free end being coupled to a first portion of the peripheral lip of the button cap.