Ergonomic Game Controller with Sliding Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game controllers for FPP, FPS, and RPG games are ergonomically inadequate, leading to discomfort and wrist disorders due to the need for complex finger movements and prolonged use, as they fail to accurately replace the keyboard's W, A, S, D buttons and often require simultaneous mouse operation, resulting in slower response times and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A 'plug and play' computer game controller with a stable, ergonomic design featuring a sliding lever mechanism and programmable buttons that can be used wirelessly, allowing for precise character movement without requiring the player to constantly adjust hand position, thereby reducing strain on hand joints and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a game controller replaces the keyboard's W, A, S, D buttons using a trackball or joystick, then the controller can be operated with both hands, but the movement accuracy decreases and response time increases compared to direct keyboard use
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into distinct functional zones: a stable base for wrist support, a chassis with directional buttons for precise character movement, and separate action buttons. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function - the base provides stability while the button layout enables accurate input
Solution Approach 2:
The controller transitions from requiring hand movement (trackball/joystick) to allowing static hand placement with finger-based input. The sliding lever mechanism adds a new dimension of wrist-based control, separating hand positioning from movement direction selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional function keys are added to the controller to increase game functionality, then more character options can be controlled, but the complexity of finger movements increases and response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses programmable buttons that can be assigned to different functions depending on the game or character being controlled. This allows a fixed number of physical buttons to provide variable functionality, increasing adaptability without adding more buttons that would complicate operation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller allows users to program and customize button functions according to their specific needs and preferences. This self-programming capability enables optimization of control layouts for different game scenarios without requiring additional physical controls
3Ease of operation
If the controller is designed to be held in hands during use, then portability is improved, but palm support is lost causing fatigue during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The controller base is designed to replicate the stable surface function of a keyboard, providing a flat, supportive area for the palm and wrist. This copying of the keyboard's stabilizing function allows prolonged use without fatigue, while the overall portable form factor maintains ease of transport
4Reliability
If the controller replaces only part of the keyboard functionality, then keyboard ergonomics are maintained, but the need for simultaneous mouse operation remains causing slower response times
Solution Approach 1:
The controller merges multiple input functions into a single device: directional control, action buttons, and programmable functions all in one unit. This eliminates the need to switch between keyboard and mouse, unifying control and improving response time while maintaining ergonomic benefits
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the invention is a computer game controller, comprising a base (1) placed on a fixed substrate, with a chassis (2) placed thereupon, of ergonomic shape adapted for resting the user's hand, with a number of function buttons (3) on the top surface, the function buttons (3) enabling programming their functions, the base (1) being connected with the chassis (2) by means of a sliding lever mechanism (4), situated substantially axially along the longitudinal axis of the base (1), providing tilting the chassis (2) relative to the base (1) in two opposite directions, and a sliding movement of the chassis (2) forward and rearward in relation to the base (1), and at least one front switch (5) and a corresponding front resistive element (6), at least one rear switch (5) and a corresponding rear resistive element (6), at least one left-side switch (5) and a corresponding left-side resistive element (6), and at least one right-side switch (5) and a corresponding right-side resistive element (6) so that during the sliding forward movement, the front resistive element (6) presses the front switch (5), during the sliding backward movement, the rear resistive element (6) presses the rear switch (5), on the left tilt, the left-side resistive element (6) presses the left-side switch (5), and during the right tilt, the right-side resistive element (6) presses the right-side switch (5).