Fluid-Adaptive Game Controller for Tactile Resistance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video game controller systems with adaptive resistance and haptic devices are cumbersome, costly, and provide limited sensory enhancements, particularly lacking the sensation of touch.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral device with a fluid-filled main reservoir and distribution system to adjust pressure on moveable components, such as buttons and force feedback reservoirs, using fluid transport to enhance immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic or mechanical systems are used for adaptive resistance buttons, then adaptive resistance functionality is achieved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic system with fluid, a main reservoir, and distribution means to provide adaptive resistance. The fluid is pumped from the main reservoir through distribution channels to actuators that apply pressure to buttons, triggers, or joysticks. This hydraulic approach replaces heavier magnetic or mechanical systems while maintaining adaptive resistance functionality and providing fine-grained control over resistance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The main reservoir serves multiple functions: it stores fluid for all adaptive resistance components, acts as a central distribution hub, and enables dynamic adjustment of resistance across multiple buttons simultaneously. This multi-functional design reduces overall system weight compared to having separate systems for each button.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic or mechanical systems are used for adaptive resistance buttons, then adaptive resistance functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid distribution systems into a single integrated hydraulic system. The main reservoir connects to multiple buttons, triggers, and joysticks through a unified distribution network, reducing the number of separate components needed. This consolidated approach lowers device complexity and potential failure points while maintaining adaptive resistance across all inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system provides a standardized mechanism that can be applied uniformly across different input types (buttons, triggers, joysticks), simplifying the overall system architecture compared to having different magnetic or mechanical systems for each component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If force feedback devices are used for haptic feedback, then force feedback is provided, but the sensation of touch is not transmitted to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system applies pressure directly to the user's fingers through fluid-filled chambers or balloons integrated into the controller. When fluid is pumped into these chambers, they expand and apply distributed pressure across the finger surface, creating a realistic tactile sensation that mimics touching virtual objects. This is more effective than traditional force feedback mechanisms.
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
Provides fine-grained control over resistance and sensory feedback, reducing weight and complexity while enhancing user immersion through realistic tactile and temperature sensations.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution system connected to the main reservoir and configured to transport fluid to and from the main reservoir, wherein, in use, fluid is transported to and from the main reservoir to adjust a pressure applied to a moveable component of the peripheral device
Implementation Method 2
the pressure is applied to the button to adjust a resistance to movement of the button, wherein the resistance to movement of the button varies in proportion to an amount of fluid transported from the main reservoir to the button
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a peripheral device for a video game device, the peripheral device comprising: a main reservoir configured to be filled with fluid, and a distribution system connected to the main reservoir and configured to transport fluid to and from the main reservoir, wherein, in use, fluid is transported to and from the main reservoir to adjust a property of the peripheral device.