Floating Magnetic Connector for Mobile Game Controller Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers face difficulties in convenient attachment and detachment from mobile devices, particularly with devices in cases, due to cumbersome handling and alignment requirements, which can lead to reduced usage and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a magnetic connector in the game controller that magnetically retains and aligns with a mobile device, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for manual alignment of physical connectors, and includes mechanisms for float and orientation adjustment to accommodate various device positions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical connector is used to attach the game controller to the mobile device, then the connection can be secure, but the attachment process becomes cumbersome and requires manual alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction forces to secure the game controller to the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical plugs and sockets that require manual alignment and insertion. This substitution of mechanical interaction with magnetic field interaction directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure connection while dramatically improving attachment convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector system enables self-alignment and self-attachment. When the game controller is brought near the mobile device, the magnetic fields automatically align the connectors and draw the devices together without requiring manual positioning or insertion efforts. This self-service characteristic directly addresses the ease of operation issue while maintaining reliable connection through the magnetic bonding mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of physical connectors is required, then precise connection can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the precision-alignment requirement of mechanical connectors with magnetic field-based automatic alignment. The magnetic connector naturally guides the game controller into the correct position relative to the mobile device through magnetic attraction, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment process while maintaining precise connection through the inherent properties of magnetic field interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector performs the alignment action automatically as the device is brought into proximity, before the final connection is made. The magnetic fields pre-align the connectors and draw the components together in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for separate manual alignment steps and significantly reducing attachment time while ensuring precise connection.
3Device complexity
If the game controller is designed with a fixed connector position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate devices in cases or various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the connector system through the magnetic field-based design. The magnetic connector can adapt its positioning to accommodate devices in cases or held in various orientations, providing flexibility without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while significantly enhancing device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connector system provides universal compatibility with various device configurations, including devices with cases and different orientations. The magnetic field-based approach creates a multi-functional attachment system that can handle diverse scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for each case type or orientation, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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
This solution simplifies the attachment process, reduces the need for manual alignment, and enhances compatibility with devices in cases, providing a seamless gaming experience by using magnetic forces for retention and alignment, while also enabling wireless charging and communication.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic connector is configured to magnetically retain the mobile computing device to the game controller
Implementation Method 2
magnetic forces for retention and alignment
Data Source
AI summary
The following embodiment describe various example techniques for attaching a mobile computing device to a game controller. Some of those techniques use a magnetic connector in the game controller, and various example magnet/magnetic array configurations are described. In one embodiment, a float mechanism is provided to allow the magnetic connector in the game controller to move via a magnetic force to align with a corresponding magnetic connector in a mobile computing device. Various float mechanisms are described including those that float a magnetic connector island, float magnet(s) in the magnetic connector island, and float the entire island/bridge assembly. Additionally, various example bridge extension mechanisms are described, as well as example solutions for addressing pinch points. Example connect/play techniques are provided, as well as example power management and power handling techniques and example hardware configurations.