Game Controller Attachment Strap Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional attachments for game controllers often make it difficult to easily remove straps, which can be inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

The attachment includes a strap anchor, a stopper portion, and a lock mechanism that allows the strap to be easily fastened and detached from the game controller, utilizing a slide mechanism and operation buttons to facilitate strap removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a strap is fastened to a controller using conventional methods, then the strap is securely attached, but it becomes difficult to remove the strap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of strap removalVSAvoidstrap attachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system employs a dynamic lock mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The lock portion includes a projection that engages with a groove on the controller, and this engagement can be dynamically changed by pressing the operation button, which causes the projection to move between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling easy strap removal while maintaining secure attachment during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operation button is integrated into the attachment itself, allowing the user to directly control the lock mechanism without needing external tools or complex procedures. Pressing the button on the attachment automatically actuates the lock portion to release the strap, making the removal process simple and self-contained

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a lock mechanism is added to facilitate strap removal, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of strap removalVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is merged with the basic attachment structure. The lock portion's projection and groove are integrated into the same attachment body that connects to the controller, and the operation button is combined with the housing. This integration allows the lock function to be added without requiring separate components or complex assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment structure serves multiple functions: it secures the strap to the controller, provides a lock mechanism for easy removal, and includes an operation button for controlling the lock. The slide portion also serves dual purposes of positioning the attachment and enabling the lock/unlock action, reducing the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3406309B1Attachment and control system
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3406309B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406309B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406309B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example attachment is attachable to a game controller including a controller-side slide portion on which a controller-side operation button is provided. The attachment includes an attachment-side slide portion and an attachment-side operation button. The attachment-side slide portion is provided on a first surface of the attachment, wherein the attachment-side slide portion is configured to slidably engage with the controller-side slide portion in a predetermined slide direction, and wherein the controller-side slide portion is insertable into the attachment-side slide portion from a first side in the slide direction. The attachment-side operation button is capable of protruding from a second surface on a reverse side from the first surface. The attachment-side operation button includes a actuation portion capable of protruding from the first surface, thereby pressing the controller-side operation button, in response to an operation of pressing the attachment-side operation button.