Handheld Controller Locking and Tapered Thumbstick Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard videogame controllers are often unergonomic, have low-quality components that easily break, and suffer from issues like joystick drift, and they connect to consoles via Bluetooth or infrared, leading to high latency and connectivity problems, resulting in a subpar gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A handheld videogame controller with a docking bay for secure console attachment via a USB-C connector, a locking mechanism to prevent console detachment, and customizable thumbstick assemblies with a self-holding tapered connection for improved alignment and torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection (USB-C connector with locking mechanism) is used to connect the controller to the console, then connection stability and latency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into separate functional components: the docking bay structure, the electronic connector, and the locking mechanism with latch and actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable wired connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a spring-biased latch that automatically engages with the console when inserted into the docking bay, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional user actions. The release actuator allows easy disengagement when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If a self-holding tapered connection is used for the thumbstick assembly, then manufacturing precision and alignment are improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface uses a tapered geometry with specific angle parameters that create a self-holding effect. This parameter-based design ensures precise alignment and secure attachment of the thumbstick top to the base, while the taper angle is optimized to balance holding strength with ease of assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld videogame controller is configured to receive and securely hold a handheld videogame console (e.g., a Nintendo Switch console). The handheld videogame controller is configured to electronically connect directly to the videogame console (e.g., via a USB-C port of the console) to reduce latency and other connectivity issues. The handheld videogame controller includes a locking mechanism configured to securely hold the console within a docking bay of the controller, such that the console remains directly electronically connected to the controller during use. This facilitates a user moving the controller and the console as a single unit, without the console falling out of the controller unexpectedly. In some examples, the controller includes a thumbstick assembly including a thumbstick top removably coupled to a thumbstick base by a self-holding tapered connection (e.g., a Morse taper) to facilitate precise alignment and transmission of torque from the thumbstick top to the thumbstick base.