Handheld Controller Contact Zone for Mobile Device Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld game controllers face challenges in securely and easily accommodating a wide variety of mobile device models and cases, due to differences in size, shape, and material, which can lead to positional misalignment and potential damage to the mobile device.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a handheld game controller design with a bridge connecting two handles, featuring a contact zone with an arcuate and chamfered section to align and constrain mobile devices of different sizes, along with interchangeable removable adapters and a mechanical latch for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the controller uses a fixed-size connector interface, then connection stability is improved, but compatibility with different mobile device sizes and cases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different mobile device sizes and cases

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller employs a compliant connector that can change its physical parameters (position, orientation, contact pressure) to adapt to different mobile device sizes and cases. The connector includes flexible elements that allow positional adjustment while maintaining stable electrical connection across varying device dimensions and case thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connector interface transitions from a rigid fixed-position design to a dynamic system with degrees of freedom. The compliant connector can move and adjust its position dynamically during device insertion and while held in the cradle, enabling it to accommodate various device geometries while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the controller requires precise manual alignment during device insertion, then connection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidease of device insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller incorporates self-aligning features including guide rails, tapered entry surfaces, and compliant connector elements that automatically position the mobile device correctly during insertion. The system performs the alignment function itself without requiring user skill or attention, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining high connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-configures alignment guides and positioning features in advance that passively guide the mobile device into the correct position during insertion. The compliant connector is pre-positioned with adjustment capability, so that as the device is inserted, the alignment occurs automatically through the pre-designed mechanical guidance structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the controller uses a rigid connector design, then structural strength is improved, but risk of device damage during misalignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structural strengthVSAvoidrisk of mobile device damage during misalignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates compliant and flexible elements that act as cushioning mechanisms before potential damage can occur. These elements deform under misalignment stress, absorbing excessive forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the mobile device. The compliant structure provides a mechanical buffer that protects the device during insertion errors or case variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the controller accommodates a wide variety of device form factors, then adaptability is improved, but device stability in the cradle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various mobile device form factorsVSAvoiddevice stability in the cradle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle employs different contact zone characteristics at different locations to stabilize various device types. The contact surfaces have varying friction coefficients, compliance, and geometric profiles tailored to specific device regions. This localized differentiation allows the same cradle structure to securely hold diverse device form factors by optimizing contact at each specific location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250041712A1Handheld Controller with Contact Zone for Constraining Mobile Devices of Differing Sizes

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 BACKBONE LABS INC

AI summary

A gaming system having a handheld controller, a bridge, and a contact zone. The bridge connects the first handle and the second handle of the handheld controller. The contact zone is on at least one of the handles and is configured to align and constrain a mobile device in a desired gameplay position that is between the handles. The contact zone has a cross-sectional profile that includes an arcuate section and a chamfered section. The arcuate section has a radius and a center of curvature that is between the first handle and the second handle. The chamfered section has two substantially flat segments meeting at an obtuse angle. At least one of the two substantially flat segments has a length that is not less than one-quarter of the radius of the arcuate section.