Gaming Controller Radial Translation Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video game controllers are difficult for users with fine motor impairments or physical disabilities to lift and maneuver, requiring two hands to support and operate, which can be challenging for individuals with limited dexterity.
Innovation Solution
An accessible gaming controller device featuring an inner disk body that translates relative to an outer disk body, with buttons disposed radially around the outer disk body, allowing for user input to actuate buttons through a sliding mechanism and a reset mechanism using springs to return to a resting position, facilitating one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional controllers require two hands to support and operate, then control functionality is complete, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with fine motor impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into two functional parts: an outer disk body that remains stationary and provides structural support, and an inner disk body that moves independently to actuate buttons. This segmentation allows the weight-bearing function to be separated from the input function, enabling users with limited dexterity to operate buttons without supporting the entire controller weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The input mechanism transitions from traditional axial button presses to radial movement along the disk surface. Buttons are actuated by moving the inner disk body radially toward the outer disk body, utilizing a different dimensional approach that requires less vertical force and accommodates various input methods including blow, wave, or slide motions.
2Ease of operation
If buttons are positioned radially about the peripheral edge, then ease of actuation improves for one-handed operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner disk body is nested within the outer disk body, with the inner disk containing radial slots that guide slide pins. This nested configuration allows multiple functional elements (buttons, slide pins, radial slots) to be integrated in a compact arrangement, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining radial button actuation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Slide pins act as intermediary elements between the moving inner disk body and the stationary outer disk body buttons. The slide pins travel within radial slots and make contact with buttons at specific positions, mediating the transfer of motion and force while simplifying the mechanical connection between the two disk bodies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding mechanism is used for button actuation, then accessibility for users with motor impairments improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button press mechanisms with a sliding mechanism where the inner disk body moves radially along guided slots. This substitution simplifies the force required for actuation while maintaining reliable button engagement, improving accessibility without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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
Enables users with fine motor impairments or physical disabilities to easily operate gaming controllers by allowing button actuation without the need to lift or maneuver the device, enhancing accessibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the outer disk body and operably connected to the inner disk body, the spring configured to apply a force to return the inner disk body to the original position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a controller device for assisting those with fine motor impairments. The controller device includes an outer disk body and an inner disk body supported at least in part by the outer disk body and configured to translate relative to the outer disk body. The controller device further includes one or more buttons defined by the outer disk body. The inner disk body is configured to receive a user input that causes the inner disk body to translate relative to the outer disk body and actuate at least one of the one or more buttons. The one or more buttons are disposed radially about a peripheral edge of the outer disk body, and an input element operably connected to the inner disk body is configured to cause translation of the inner disk body in a direction responsive to receipt of an applied user input via the input element.