Elastically Deformable Controller Sensor for Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional controllers used for gaming and similar applications lack the capability to effectively enhance haptic experiences through vibration and force sensations.

Innovation Solution

A controller equipped with an elastically deformable elastic member that includes sensors capable of detecting user interactions, such as contact and deformation, and outputting electric signals to enrich haptic experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional difficult-to-deform plastic materials are used for controller construction, then structural strength and durability are improved, but haptic experience enrichment through vibration and force sensations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidhaptic experience enrichment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction by integrating elastic members (such as rubber or elastomer materials) with rigid controller housing. This combination allows different parts of the controller to exhibit different mechanical properties - the rigid housing provides structural strength while the elastic members enable deformation and vibration for enriched haptic feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating elastic members only in specific regions where haptic feedback is needed (such as grip areas or button regions), while maintaining rigid plastic materials in other structural areas. This localized approach enables haptic enrichment without compromising overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If elastic members are integrated into the controller to enable deformation and vibration, then haptic experience enrichment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaptic experience enrichmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of structural support and haptic feedback generation by integrating elastic members that serve dual purposes. These members are incorporated into existing controller components (such as grip handles or button assemblies) rather than being separate added elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic members are designed to automatically generate vibration and force feedback through their inherent elastic properties when deformed by user interaction or actuator activation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external vibration motors or additional feedback generation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables a more immersive haptic experience for users by detecting and responding to various actions and deformations, enhancing the overall interaction with the controller.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable elastic member, and a sensor included in the elastic member or provided on a front surface of the elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12274934B2Controller
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US12274934B2 patent drawing
  • US12274934B2 patent drawing
  • US12274934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller includes a sensor that uses an elastically deformable elastic member, detects user's contact with or deforming action of the elastic member, and outputs an electric signal based on the detected contact or deforming action in question.