Game Controller Grip Assembly for Vibration Feedback and Button Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing game controllers with vibrators in the grips lack a novel structure, necessitating a redesign for improved user interaction and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A game controller design featuring a main body with two grips, each containing a button, a substrate, and a vibrator, along with a cushion member and elastic member for enhanced input detection and vibration feedback, and a simplified housing structure with integrated lids for reduced complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional multi-component housing structure is used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but device complexity and production steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the right grip housing and right lid into a single integrated right grip assembly, and similarly merges the left grip housing and left lid into a single left grip assembly. This reduces the total number of components from 6 housing parts to 2 integrated assemblies, simplifying the housing structure while maintaining assembly flexibility through modular attachment to the main body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the button structure allows easy pressing, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental presses increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton pressing easeVSAvoidaccidental press resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements different structural characteristics at different locations of the button assembly. The button head has a pressing surface for easy activation, while the button stem includes a pressing prevention protrusion that requires deliberate action to activate. The elastic member provides resistance that must be overcome intentionally, creating local quality variations that balance ease of operation with accidental press prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of repair

If substrate and vibrator are separately assembled, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replaceabilityVSAvoidgrip internal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the grip internal structure into distinct functional modules: the substrate assembly with detection section, the vibrator assembly with holding section, and the elastic member assembly. Each module can be independently assembled and replaced, facilitating ease of repair while the integrated holder structure keeps these segments organized within a unified framework rather than increasing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 novel structure provides improved user interaction through enhanced input detection and vibration feedback, while simplifying production and reducing the risk of accidental button presses.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member configured to be deformed by being pressed by the protruding portion in response to the first button being pressed so that the elastic member contacts the first detection section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The key rubber between the first holder and the first detection section is configured to biase the first button toward an outer side of the game controller and is configured to deform and contact the first detection section in response to the first button being pressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

Vibrators are provided in the grips of the controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4684851A1Game controller
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP4684851A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684851A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4684851A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An input section is arranged at a front side of a main body portion of a game controller. A first grip and a second grip protrude downward from a left side and a right side of a main body portion and configured to be grasped by a user. A first button is at the first grip. A second button is at the second grip. A first holder is in the first grip. A first substrate is in the first grip, fixed to the first holder and having a first detection section that detects an input operation on the first button. A first vibrator is in the first grip and fixed to the first holder. A second holder is in the second grip. A second substrate is in the second grip, fixed to the second holder and having a second detection section that detects an input operation on the second button. A second vibrator is in the second grip and fixed to the second holder.