Dual-Stage Extendable Mechanism for Stable Mobile Controller Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game controllers for mobile phones often feature clamping mechanisms with strong retraction forces that can cause user injury and are aesthetically unpleasing, with unstable sliding mechanisms and space-consuming foldable clips that compromise ergonomic design.
Innovation Solution
An extendable mechanism with dual-stage extensions, featuring an elongate extension member and a link member, guided by extension-member-guide elements, and a biasing member to provide a secure and compact attachment for mobile devices without the risk of accidental clamping, while maintaining ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stack slider with continuous spring loading is used for the clamping mechanism, then the clamping mechanism can be compact and simple in structure, but the strong retraction force acts from the beginning of opening which may cause harm to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into two independent stack sliders instead of using a single stack slider. Each stack slider has its own spring loading system, allowing the retraction forces to be distributed and controlled independently. This segmentation enables the first stack slider to engage the mobile phone edge before the second stack slider activates, preventing sudden strong retraction forces that could injure the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The first stack slider is designed to engage and secure the mobile phone edge before the second stack slider becomes active. This preliminary action ensures that the mobile phone is firmly held in place before any significant retraction force is applied, preventing the phone from shifting or causing user injury during the clamping process.
2Device complexity
If a single slider mechanism is used, then the clamping mechanism can be simple, but the sliding experience is very wobbly and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The single slider mechanism is segmented into two independent stack sliders that operate in sequence. This division allows each slider to provide stable, controlled movement independently, eliminating the wobbly and unstable sliding experience associated with a single slider. The dual-slider configuration provides better mechanical stability and precision during the clamping operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable clip is included in the controller, then the controller can accommodate mobile devices, but it takes up a lot of space and sacrifices ergonomic button placement
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable clip mechanism is extracted and replaced with a dual stack slider system that extends linearly from the controller body. This extraction eliminates the need for a bulky foldable clip structure, freeing up space within the controller for better ergonomic button placement while maintaining the capability to accommodate mobile devices effectively.
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 extendable mechanism provides a secure and stable attachment for mobile devices, preventing user injury and enhancing the ergonomic design of game controllers by eliminating the need for strong retraction forces and space-consuming foldable clips.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member arranged between the link member and the body structure. The biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force on the link member in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the extension member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An extendable mechanism may include an extension member. The extendable mechanism may further include a link member which is provided with an extension-member-guide element. The extension member may be in engagement with the extension-member-guide element of the link member in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link member in an extension direction along an axis of the extension member. The extendable mechanism may further include a link-member-guide element for being disposed at the body structure. The link member may be in engagement with the link-member-guide element in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link-member-guide element in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may further include a biasing member for being arranged between the link member and the body structure. A controller may include a controller body and the extendable mechanism.