Cradle With Segmented Supports For Input Device Tracking Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices with tracked parts require stable support, especially when not in use, to prevent damage and ensure accurate tracking by cameras, which is challenging with conventional cradles.

Innovation Solution

A cradle design with rear, front, and side support parts that are curved to securely hold the input device's grips and tracked parts, providing stable support and facilitating easy attachment and detachment while minimizing interference with user hands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cradles are used to support input devices, then the grips can be supported, but the tracked parts cannot be stably supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidtracked part support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is divided into multiple functional support parts: rear support parts for the rear of grips, front support parts for the front of grips, and side support parts for the tracked parts. This segmentation allows each part to independently support specific components of the input device, achieving stable support for both grips and tracked parts simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side support parts extend in the left-right direction beyond the front and rear support parts, adding a lateral dimension to the support structure. This dimensional extension enables the cradle to support the tracked parts that protrude outward, while maintaining support for the grips through the front and rear support parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the cradle structure is extended to support tracked parts, then support stability improves, but the cradle may interfere with user hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput device stabilityVSAvoiduser hand movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side support parts are positioned to support only the tracked parts while leaving the grip areas accessible. The support structure provides localized support where needed (at the tracked parts) while maintaining openness in other areas (grip zones) to avoid interfering with user hands during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The side support parts extend beyond the minimum necessary distance in the left-right direction to ensure complete support of the tracked parts, but are positioned and shaped to provide support only where required, avoiding excessive extension that would interfere with user hand movement in the grip areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4356992A1Cradle and system including cradle and input device
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP4356992A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4356992A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4356992A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a cradle for supporting input devices having grips and tracked parts extending from the grips, the cradle including rear support parts that are capable of supporting rear parts of the grips, front support parts that are positioned forward away from the rear support parts and are capable of supporting front parts of the grips of the input devices, and, side support parts that are positioned outside in a left-right direction with respect to the rear support parts and the front support parts and are capable of supporting the tracked parts.