Game Controller Hold-Open Mechanism for One-Handed Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers for mobile devices face difficulties in securely and efficiently inserting and removing mobile devices due to the challenge of keeping handles apart during insertion and alignment with connectors, which can be cumbersome and require both hands.
Innovation Solution
A game controller design with a hold-open feature that allows handles to be easily pulled apart and locked in place, enabling one-handed insertion and removal of mobile devices by utilizing spring mechanisms and latch mechanisms to transition between extended and retracted configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the game controller uses a mechanical coupling design with handles, then the mobile device can be securely held, but the insertion and removal process becomes cumbersome requiring both hands to keep handles apart
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically pushes the handles apart after insertion, and the latch mechanism automatically engages to lock the mobile device in place without requiring manual intervention. During removal, the user simply releases the latch and the spring automatically returns the handles to their initial position, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to store elastic potential energy, which is automatically released to push the handles apart during insertion. The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage at the appropriate moment, performing the locking action before the user needs to secure the device, thereby simplifying the operational sequence.
2Manufacturing precision
If the handles are designed to be held apart during insertion, then alignment with connectors is possible, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains the handles in the apart position during insertion, eliminating the need for the user to manually hold them apart. This self-servicing action ensures consistent alignment with connectors while reducing the time required for the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic, automatic adjustment of the handle position, transitioning from a static required-hand-holding design to a dynamic self-adjusting system that maintains optimal alignment throughout the insertion process.
3Device complexity
If the game controller uses a simple handle design without locking mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the mobile device cannot be securely locked in place
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism and latch mechanism are combined into an integrated system where the spring provides the force and the latch provides the locking function. This merging of two simple mechanisms creates a reliable securing system without requiring complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism automatically engages with the mobile device when inserted, securing it in place without requiring additional user action. The spring automatically maintains the locking force, creating a self-securing system that enhances reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
Facilitates efficient and easy insertion and removal of mobile devices by allowing the user to securely lock the device in place with minimal manual effort, enhancing user convenience and reducing the need for two-handed manipulation during the process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism configured to push the handle between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration
Implementation Method 2
a latch mechanism configured to latch the handle in the extended configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.