Controller Adapter for Portable Gaming Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a suitable adapter for using the Nintendo Pro Controller with the Nintendo Switch in portable mode, as existing solutions do not effectively allow for comfortable on-the-go use due to the small screen size and ergonomic design differences between the Pro Controller and Joy-Con controllers.

Innovation Solution

A video game controller adapter that includes a controller attachment device, a display attachment device, and a rotatable support member to orient the display of a portable video game system, allowing users to position the screen and controller for comfort and reducing torque on the hands and wrists by aligning the center of mass of the display over the controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the Pro Controller is used with the Nintendo Switch in portable mode, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but the small screen size makes it difficult to use on-the-go

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic comfortVSAvoidportable use capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter merges the Pro Controller and Switch display into a single integrated unit by coupling the display attachment device to the controller attachment device through a support member, allowing the larger Pro Controller to be used with the portable Switch display

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the Pro Controller and Switch display, providing the mechanical connection and positioning functionality that bridges the incompatibility between the two components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the display is held in a fixed position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and ergonomic positioning are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is made rotatable to allow dynamic adjustment of the display position, enabling users to orient the display at different angles and positions for optimal comfort while maintaining a relatively simple hinge-based mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the display is positioned away from the controller, then screen visibility is improved, but torque on the user's hands and wrists increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen visibilityVSAvoidtorque on hands and wrists

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter structure positions the display attachment device and controller attachment device in counterbalancing arrangements, with the rotatable support member allowing the display to be positioned such that its weight counteracts rather than adds to the torque on the user's hands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS11642599B2Video game controller adapter for holding a display of a portable video game system

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 FIXTURE GAMING LLC

AI summary

A video game controller adapter for holding a display of a portable video game system is provided. The base easily snaps on to a controller using a controller attachment device, thereby holding the display the portable gaming system above the controller in handheld mode. The bottom of the base is flat and designed to balance on a level surface to allow for a tabletop mode. This is especially useful for multiplayer gaming. In tabletop mode, the adapter allows plenty of space beneath the charging port to allow the user to plug in their device during game play.