Energy-Harvesting Trigger Button for Longer Wireless Controller Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless game controllers experience significant battery drain during gameplay, leading to frequent recharging needs and interruptions in gaming sessions due to depleted batteries.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an energy-harvesting mechanism within the wireless controller, where user-applied forces to buttons or joysticks generate electric current through magnetic induction, allowing the controller to self-charge while in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless controller uses a battery for mobile energy supply, then wireless operation and mobility are enabled, but the battery requires frequent recharging which interrupts gaming sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy harvesting mechanism with the existing button structure of the wireless controller. The magnet is integrated into the button assembly, and the coil is positioned within the button housing, merging the energy harvesting function with the input mechanism. This allows the button to serve dual purposes: user input and energy generation during pressing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs self-charging by harvesting energy from the user's own button presses and joystick movements. The system uses the mechanical energy already being applied by the user during normal operation to generate electrical energy that charges the battery, eliminating the need for external charging during gameplay sessions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced features are added to simulate virtual gaming environment conditions, then gaming immersion is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the mechanical energy that was previously being wasted during button presses and joystick movements into useful electrical energy. The friction and force applied by the user during these actions, which contribute to battery drain, are now harnessed through the magnet-coil mechanism to generate charging current, turning energy-wasting actions into energy-generating actions.
3Loss of energy
If recharging time is extended to provide full battery charge, then complete energy replenishment is achieved, but the user is out of the game for extended duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions continuously during gameplay through energy harvesting from button presses. Instead of waiting until the battery is depleted to charge, the system accumulates energy incrementally throughout the gaming session, maintaining a charge buffer that prevents complete depletion and eliminates the need for extended external recharging periods.
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 energy-harvesting mechanism extends the battery life of the wireless controller, allowing for longer gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a user-applied force to a user-activated button that causes a magnet attached to a button frame to move at least partially within a wire coil of a casing of the user-activated button to cause generation of an electric current in the wire coil
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects of this disclosure, an energy-harvesting button for a wireless gaming controller is disclosed. Such an apparatus may include a casing comprising a wire coil having a radius of a first value; a button frame comprising a magnet having a radius of a second value smaller than the first value; and a hinge attaching the button frame to the casing such that the magnet moves at least partially within the wire coil. The hinge is configured to move the magnet along an arc defined by the hinge, wherein the arc includes at least a first portion that extends within the wire coil and a second portion that extends outside the wire coil. Additional aspects and details are also disclosed.